Davey Tree Expert 10-K 9 Mar 16 2015 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information Document - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Feb. 26, 2016	Jul. 04, 2015
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity registrant name	DAVEY TREE EXPERT CO
Entity central index key	277,638
Current fiscal year end date	--12-31
Entity filer category	Accelerated Filer
Document type	10-K
Document period end date	Dec. 31, 2015
Document fiscal year focus	2,015
Document fiscal period focus	FY
Amendment flag	false
Entity common stock, shares outstanding		12,749,721
Entity well-known seasoned issuer	No
Entity voluntary filers	No
Entity current reporting status	Yes
Entity public float			$ 364,713,168

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current assets:
Cash	$ 16,030	$ 18,415
Accounts receivable, net	120,001	111,598
Operating supplies	7,171	6,968
Prepaid expenses	13,862	14,088
Other current assets	3,870	7,200
Total current assets	160,934	158,269
Property and equipment:
Land and land improvements	16,135	16,553
Buildings and leasehold improvements	36,532	33,644
Equipment	504,527	482,752
Property and equipment	557,194	532,949
Less accumulated depreciation	390,772	372,066
Property and equipment, net	166,422	160,883
Other assets	32,420	27,789
Identified intangible assets and goodwill, net	34,281	34,063
Total assets	394,057	381,004
Current liabilities:
Short-term debt	15,501	8,281
Accounts payable	37,750	42,140
Accrued expenses	36,146	34,925
Self-insurance accruals	22,553	23,007
Total current liabilities	111,950	108,353
Long-term debt	61,104	51,306
Senior unsecured notes	24,000
Senior unsecured notes	30,000	30,000
Self-insurance accruals	37,786	35,886
Other liabilities	17,678	18,968
Total liabilities	252,518	244,513
Common shareholders' equity:
Common shares, $1.00 par value, per share; 48,000 shares authorized; 21,457 shares issued and outstanding before treasury shares as of December 31, 2015 and 2014	21,457	21,457
Additional paid-in capital	17,815	9,461
Common shares subscribed	8,591	9,381
Retained earnings	270,605	251,470
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(13,394)	(11,523)
Stockholders' equity before treasury stock	305,074	280,246
Less: Cost of Common shares held in treasury; 8,714 shares in 2015 and 8,292 in 2014	159,429	138,155
Common shares subscription receivable	4,106	5,600
Common shareholders' equity	141,539	136,491
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 394,057	$ 381,004

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Common stock, par value	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized	48,000,000	24,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	21,456,880	21,456,880	21,456,880
Treasury stock, shares	8,713,566	8,291,947	8,018,269

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Revenues	$ 821,904	$ 789,911	$ 713,848
Costs and expenses:
Operating	528,899	508,677	462,646
Selling	144,234	140,027	120,842
General and administrative	59,798	54,970	50,654
Depreciation	44,677	40,970	38,231
Amortization of intangible assets	2,214	2,070	1,980
Gain on sale of assets, net	(2,026)	(806)	(1,294)
Costs and expenses	777,796	745,908	673,059
Income from operations	44,108	44,003	40,789
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	(3,355)	(2,948)	(2,708)
Interest income	249	295	311
Other	(5,744)	(3,050)	(2,827)
Income before income taxes	35,258	38,300	35,565
Income taxes	13,460	15,131	12,712
Net income	$ 21,798	$ 23,169	$ 22,853
Share data:
Earnings per share--basic	$ 1.62	$ 1.68	$ 1.61
Earnings per share--diluted	$ 1.56	$ 1.63	$ 1.57
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Basic	13,465,449	13,821,223	14,170,681
Diluted	13,977,290	14,238,276	14,602,432
Dividends declared per share	$ 0.20	$ 0.185	$ 0.18

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Net income	$ 21,798	$ 23,169	$ 22,853
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments (losses)/gains	(5,093)	(2,798)	(1,864)
Defined benefit pension plans:
Net gain/(loss) arising during the year	326	(6,023)	3,717
Amortization of defined benefit pension items:
Net actuarial loss	2,863	1,682	861
Prior service cost	(33)	(9)	(8)
Amortization of defined benefit pension items:	2,896	1,691	869
Defined benefit pension plan adjustments	(3,222)	4,332	(4,586)
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(1,871)	(7,130)	2,722
Comprehensive income	$ 19,927	$ 16,039	$ 25,575

Statements of Consolidated Shar

Statements of Consolidated Shareholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common shares	Additional paid-in capital	Common shares subscribed, unissued	Retained earnings	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	Common shares held in treasury	Common shares subscription receivable
Balance at beginning of year, value at Dec. 31, 2012		$ 21,457	$ 3,431	$ 11,055	$ 210,652		$ (112,159)	$ 9,215
Common shares, at beginning of year at Dec. 31, 2012		21,457,000
Share subscriptions, beginning balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2012				(561,000)				(561,000)
Balance at beginning of year, shares at Dec. 31, 2012							7,731,000
Balance at the beginning of the year at Dec. 31, 2012	$ (7,115)					$ (7,115)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Shares sold to employees, value			2,745				$ 3,853
Options exercised, value			(2,273)				(4,776)
Subscription shares, issued, value			98				383
Stock-based compensation			1,007
Common shares, subscribed, value				$ 0				$ 0
Common shares, subscribed, shares				0				0
Common shares, issued, value				$ (409)				$ (1,728)
Common shares, issued, shares				(21,000)				(21,000)
Cancellations, value				$ (179)				$ (145)
Cancellations, shares				(9,000)				(9,000)
Net income	22,853				22,853
Dividends					(2,530)
Currency translation adjustments						(1,864)
Defined benefit pension plans	(4,586)					4,586
Shares purchased, value							$ (21,887)
Shares purchased, shares							931,000
Shares sold to employees, shares							(299,000)
Options exercised, shares							(319,000)
Subscription shares, issued, shares							(26,000)
Balance at ending of year, value at Dec. 31, 2013	$ 131,138	$ 21,457	5,008	$ 10,467	230,975		$ (125,034)	$ 7,342
Share subscriptions, ending balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2013				(531,000)				(531,000)
Balance at ending of year, shares at Dec. 31, 2013	13,439,000						8,018,000
Balance at the end of the year at Dec. 31, 2013	$ (4,393)					(4,393)
Common shares, at end of year at Dec. 31, 2013	21,456,880	21,457,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Shares sold to employees, value			3,417				$ 3,822
Options exercised, value			(273)				(1,861)
Subscription shares, issued, value			184				794
Stock-based compensation			1,125
Common shares, subscribed, value				$ 0				$ 0
Common shares, subscribed, shares				0				0
Common shares, issued, value				$ (758)				$ (1,543)
Common shares, issued, shares				(39,000)				(39,000)
Cancellations, value				$ (328)				$ (199)
Cancellations, shares				(16,000)				(16,000)
Net income	$ 23,169				23,169
Dividends					(2,674)
Currency translation adjustments						(2,798)
Defined benefit pension plans	$ 4,332					(4,332)
Shares purchased, value							$ (19,598)
Shares purchased, shares	727,436						727,000
Shares sold to employees, shares	(287,536)						(287,000)
Options exercised, shares							(116,000)
Subscription shares, issued, shares							(50,000)
Balance at ending of year, value at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 136,491	$ 21,457	9,461	$ 9,381	251,470		$ (138,155)	$ 5,600
Share subscriptions, ending balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2014				(476,000)				(476,000)
Balance at ending of year, shares at Dec. 31, 2014	13,165,000						8,292,000
Balance at the end of the year at Dec. 31, 2014	$ (11,523)					(11,523)
Common shares, at end of year at Dec. 31, 2014	21,456,880	21,457,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Shares sold to employees, value			6,066				$ 2,198
Options exercised, value			(152)				(1,225)
Subscription shares, issued, value			83				698
Stock-based compensation			2,357
Common shares, subscribed, value	$ (12,563)			$ 0				$ 0
Common shares, subscribed, shares	(637,714)			0				0
Common shares, issued, value				$ (676)				$ (1,434)
Common shares, issued, shares				(34,000)				(34,000)
Cancellations, value				$ (114)				$ (60)
Cancellations, shares				(6,000)				(6,000)
Net income	$ 21,798				21,798
Dividends					(2,663)
Currency translation adjustments						(5,093)
Defined benefit pension plans	$ (3,222)					3,222
Shares purchased, value							$ (25,395)
Shares purchased, shares	823,827						824,000
Shares sold to employees, shares	(287,875)						(288,000)
Options exercised, shares	(66,687)						(71,000)
Subscription shares, issued, shares							(43,000)
Balance at ending of year, value at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 141,539		$ 17,815	$ 8,591	$ 270,605		$ (159,429)	$ 4,106
Share subscriptions, ending balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2015				(436,000)				(436,000)
Balance at ending of year, shares at Dec. 31, 2015	12,743,000						8,714,000
Balance at the end of the year at Dec. 31, 2015	$ (13,394)					$ (13,394)
Common shares, at end of year at Dec. 31, 2015	21,456,880

Statement of Consolidated Share

Statement of Consolidated Shareholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Dividends declared per share	$ 0.20	$ 0.185	$ 0.18

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Operating activities
Net income	$ 21,798	$ 23,169	$ 22,853
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	44,677	40,970	38,231
Amortization	2,214	2,070	1,980
Gain on sale of assets	(2,026)	(806)	(1,294)
Deferred income taxes	(2,975)	(2,679)	1,716
Other	2,399	(5,638)	(3,228)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(8,403)	(4,489)	10,307
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	1,722	1,206	(2,308)
Self-insurance accruals	1,446	2,116	(5,021)
Other assets, net	1,837	(6,640)	(6,926)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities	40,891	26,110	33,457
Net cash provided by operating activities	62,689	49,279	56,310
Capital expenditures:
Equipment	(52,466)	(46,228)	(42,462)
Land and buildings	(3,581)	(9,503)	(2,743)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment	2,650	1,366	2,080
Purchases of businesses	(2,649)	(9,695)	(80)
Net cash used in investing activities	(56,046)	(64,060)	(43,205)
Financing activities
Revolving credit facility borrowings/(payments), net	10,000	24,500	(4,200)
Borrowings/(payments) of notes payable	6,720	(1,091)	1,442
Borrowings/(payments) of long-term debt and capital leases	(6,624)	5,695	(583)
Purchase of common shares for treasury	(25,395)	(19,598)	(21,887)
Sale of common shares from treasury	9,328	8,762	9,582
Cash received on common-share subscriptions	1,494	1,741	1,285
Dividends	(2,663)	(2,674)	(2,530)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(7,140)	17,335	(16,891)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(1,888)	0	0
(Decrease) Increase in cash	(2,385)	2,554	(3,786)
Cash, beginning of year	18,415	15,861	19,647
Cash, end of year	$ 16,030	$ 18,415	$ 15,861

Our Business

Our Business	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Our Business	Our Business We provide a wide range of arboriculture, horticulture, environmental and consulting services to residential, utility, commercial and government entities throughout the United States and Canada. We have two reportable operating segments organized by type or class of customer: Residential and Commercial, and Utility. Residential and Commercial --Residential and Commercial provides services to our residential and commercial customers including: the treatment, preservation, maintenance, removal, planting of trees, shrubs and other plant life; the practice of landscaping, grounds maintenance, tree surgery, tree feeding and tree spraying; the application of fertilizer, herbicides and insecticides; and, natural resource management and consulting, forestry research and development, and environmental planning. Utility --Utility is principally engaged in providing services to our utility customers--investor-owned, municipal utilities, and rural electric cooperatives--including: the practice of line-clearing and vegetation management around power lines, rights-of-way and chemical brush control; and, natural resource management and consulting, forestry research and development and environmental planning. We also maintain research, technical support and laboratory diagnostic facilities. When we refer to “we,” “us,” “our,” “Davey Tree,” and the “Company,” we mean The Davey Tree Expert Company, unless the context indicates otherwise.

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation --The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Davey Tree and our wholly-owned subsidiaries and were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) as codified in the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC"). Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Use of Estimates in Financial Statement Preparation --The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts. Estimates are used for, but not limited to, accounts receivable valuation, depreciable lives of fixed assets, self-insurance accruals, and revenue recognition. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Property and Equipment --Property and equipment are stated at cost. Repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Depreciation is computed for financial reporting purposes by the straight-line method for land improvements, building and leasehold improvements and by the declining-balance method for equipment, based on the estimated useful lives of the assets, as follows: Land improvements 5 to 20 years Buildings 5 to 20 years Equipment 3 to 10 years Leasehold improvements Shorter of lease term or estimated useful life; ranging from 5-to-20 years Intangible Assets --Intangible assets with finite lives, primarily customer lists, noncompete agreements and tradenames, are amortized by the straight-line method based on their estimated useful lives, ranging from one-to-ten years. Long-Lived Assets --We assess potential impairment to our long-lived assets, other than goodwill, when there is evidence that events or changes in circumstances have made recovery of the asset’s carrying value unlikely and the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the estimated future undiscounted cash flow. In the event the assessment indicates that the carrying amounts B. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) may not be recoverable, an impairment loss would be recognized to reduce the asset’s carrying amount to its estimated fair value based on the present value of the estimated future cash flows. Goodwill --Goodwill is recorded when the cost of acquired businesses exceeds the fair value of the identified net assets acquired. Goodwill is not amortized, but tested for impairment annually or when events or circumstances indicate that impairment may have occurred. Annually, we perform the impairment tests for goodwill during the fourth quarter. Impairment of goodwill is tested at the reporting-unit level, which for us are also our business segments. Impairment of goodwill is tested by comparing the reporting unit’s carrying value, including goodwill, to the fair value of the reporting unit. The fair values of the reporting units are estimated using discounted projected cash flows. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, goodwill is considered impaired and a second step is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. We conducted our annual impairment tests and determined that no impairment loss was required to be recognized in 2015 or for any prior periods. There were no events or circumstances from the date of our assessment through December 31, 2015 that would impact this conclusion. Self-Insurance Accruals --We are generally self-insured for losses and liabilities related primarily to workers’ compensation, vehicle liability and general liability claims. We use commercial insurance as a risk-reduction strategy to minimize catastrophic losses. Ultimate losses are accrued based upon estimates of the aggregate liability for claims incurred using certain actuarial assumptions followed in the insurance industry and based on Company-specific experience. Our self-insurance accruals include claims for which the ultimate losses will develop over a period of years. Accordingly, our estimates of ultimate losses can change as claims mature. Our accruals also are affected by changes in the number of new claims incurred and claim severity. The methods for estimating the ultimate losses and the total cost of claims were determined by third-party consulting actuaries; the resulting accruals are reviewed by management, and any adjustments arising from changes in estimates are reflected in income. The workers' compensation accruals are discounted as the amount and timing of cash payments related to those accruals are reliably determinable given the nature of workers' compensation benefits and the level of historical claim volume to support the actuarial assumptions and judgments used to derive the expected loss payment pattern. The workers' compensation accruals are discounted using an interest rate that approximates the long-term investment yields over the expected payment pattern of unpaid losses. Our self-insurance accruals are based on estimates and, while we believe that the amounts accrued are adequate and not excessive, the ultimate claims may be in excess of or less than the amounts provided. Stock-Based Compensation -- Stock-based compensation cost for all share-based payment plans is measured at fair value on the date of grant and recognized over the employee service period on the straight-line recognition method for awards expected to vest. The fair value of all stock-based payment plans—stock option plans, stock-settled stock appreciation rights, and performance-based restricted stock units as well as our Employee Stock Purchase Plan—is determined by the number of awards granted and the price of our common stock. The fair value of each award is estimated on the date of grant using a binomial option-pricing model. The binomial model considers a range of assumptions related to volatility, risk-free interest rate and employee exercise behavior. Expected volatilities utilized in the binomial model are based on historical volatility of our share prices and other factors. Similarly, the dividend yield is based on historical experience and expected future changes. The binomial model also incorporates exercise and forfeiture assumptions based on an analysis of historical data. The expected life of the stock-based awards is derived from the output of the binomial model and represents the period of time that awards granted are expected to be outstanding. Defined Benefit Pension Plans --We record annual expenses relating to our defined benefit pension plans based on calculations that include various actuarial assumptions, including discount rates and expected long-term rates of return on plan assets. Actuarial assumptions are reviewed annually with modifications made to the assumptions, if necessary, based on current rates and trends. The effects of the actuarial gains or losses are amortized over future service periods. The funded status (that is, the projected benefit obligation less the fair value of plan assets) for each plan is reported in our balance sheet B. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) using a December 31 measurement date. Changes in the funded status of the plans are recognized in the year in which the changes occur and reported in comprehensive income (loss). Income Taxes --We compute taxes on income in accordance with the tax rules and regulations where the income is earned. The income tax rates imposed by these taxing authorities vary. Taxable income may differ from pretax income for financial reporting purposes. We compute and recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of our assets and liabilities. Changes in tax rates and laws are reflected in income in the period when such changes are enacted. We account for uncertain tax positions by recognizing the financial statement effects of a tax position only when, based upon the technical merits, it is more-likely-than-not that the position will be sustained upon examination. Earnings Per Share --Basic earnings per share is determined by dividing the income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share is computed similarly to basic earnings per share except that the weighted-average number of shares is increased to include the effect of stock awards that were granted and outstanding during the period. Revenue Recognition --Revenues from residential and commercial services are recognized as the services are provided and amounts are determined to be collectible. Revenues from contractual arrangements, primarily with utility services customers, are recognized based on costs incurred to total estimated contract costs. During the performance of such contracts, estimated final contract prices and costs are periodically reviewed and revisions are made, as required, to the revenue recognized. On cost-plus-fee contracts, revenue is recognized to the extent of costs incurred plus a proportionate amount of fees earned, and on time-and-material contracts, revenue is recognized to the extent of billable rates times hours worked, plus material and other reimbursable costs incurred. Revisions arise in the normal course of providing services to utility services customers and generally relate to changes in contract specifications and cost allowability. Such revisions are recorded when realization is probable and can be reliably estimated. Concentration of Credit Risk --Credit risk represents the accounting loss that would be recognized if the counterparties failed to perform as contracted. The principal financial instruments subject to credit risk follow: Cash --To limit our exposure, we transact our business and maintain banking relationships with high credit-quality financial institutions. Accounts Receivable --Our residential and commercial customers are located geographically throughout the United States and Canada and, as to commercial customers, within differing industries; thus, minimizing credit risk. The credit exposure of utility services customers is directly affected by conditions within the utility industries as well as the financial condition of individual customers. One utility customer approximated 11% of revenues during 2015 , 8% in 2014 and 9% in 2013 . To reduce credit risk, we evaluate the credit of customers, but generally do not require advance payments or collateral. Exposure to losses on receivables is principally dependent on each customer’s financial condition. Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions --Assets and liabilities of our Canadian operations are translated into U.S. dollars using year-end exchange rates, and revenues and expenses are translated using exchange rates as determined throughout the year. Gains or losses resulting from translation are included in the consolidated balance sheet, classified in shareholders’ equity as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income / (loss). Gains or losses resulting from Canadian-dollar transactions with the Canadian operations are translated to U.S. dollars at the rates of exchange prevailing at the dates of the transactions. The effect of the transactions gain or loss is classified in the statement of operations as a component of other nonoperating income (expense), net. Interest Rate Risk Management --We have entered into interest rate contracts, from time-to-time, with the objective of altering interest rate exposures related to variable rate debt. In the interest rate contracts, we have agreed with a financial institution to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between fixed and floating interest amounts calculated on an agreed-upon notional principal amount. B. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) Comprehensive Income (Loss) --Comprehensive income (loss) includes net income and other comprehensive income or loss. Other comprehensive income (loss) refers to revenues, expenses, gains and losses that under U.S. GAAP are included in comprehensive income but are excluded from net income as these amounts are recorded directly as an adjustment to shareholders’ equity, net of tax.

Recent Accounting Guidance

Recent Accounting Guidance	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
Recent Accounting Guidance	Recent Accounting Guidance Accounting Standard Adopted in 2015 Accounting Standards Update 2015-17, Income Taxes: Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes --In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, “Income Taxes (Topic 740), Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes,” authoritative guidance for the purpose of simplifying the presentation of deferred income taxes. Under ASU 2015-17, deferred income tax assets and liabilities are required to be presented as noncurrent in the balance sheet. The current requirement that deferred income tax assets and liabilities be offset and presented as a single amount is not affected by this guidance. We elected to early adopt this guidance during the fourth quarter of 2015 and have applied a full retrospective approach to all periods presented. Current deferred income tax assets of $8,927 as of December 31, 2014 have been reclassified and presented as an increase to net deferred tax assets, noncurrent, in the consolidated balance sheet. Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted Accounting Standards Update 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)- -In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606),” which will replace all current U.S. GAAP guidance on revenue recognition and eliminate all industry-specific guidance. The new revenue recognition guidance provides a unified model to determine when and how revenue is recognized. The underlying principle is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods and services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration for which the entity expects in exchange for those goods and services. The guidance provides a five-step analysis of transactions to determine when and how revenue is recognized. Other major provisions include capitalization of certain contract costs, consideration of the time value of money in the transaction price, and allowing estimates of variable consideration to be recognized before contingencies are resolved in certain circumstances. The guidance also requires enhanced information to be presented in the financial statements regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from an entity’s contracts with customers. On July 9, 2015, the FASB approved a one-year deferral of the effective date of ASU 2014-09, which now becomes effective for Davey Tree beginning with the first quarter 2018 and can be adopted either retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. The FASB also affirmed its proposal to permit all entities to apply the new revenue standard early, but not before the original effective date, which for Davey Tree would be first quarter 2017. The new revenue guidance will supersede existing revenue guidance affecting our Company, and may also affect our business processes and our information technology systems. As a result, our evaluation of the effect of the new revenue guidance will extend over future periods. Accounting Standards Update 2015-03, Imputation of Interest: Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs --In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, “Imputation of Interest (Sub-Topic 835.30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs.” ASU 2015-03 requires debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-15 clarifying the application of this guidance to line-of-credit arrangements. The amendments in the ASUs are effective retrospectively for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015, which for Davey Tree would be January 1, 2016. Early adoption is permitted for financial statements not previously issued. We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements. C. Recent Accounting Guidance (continued) Accounting Standards Update 2015-16, Business Combinations: Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments --In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, "Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments." ASU 2015-16 simplifies the reporting of adjustments to the provisional amounts recorded for a business combination during the measurement period by eliminating the requirement to retrospectively account for those adjustments. Companies are required to present separately, on the face of the income statement, or disclose in the notes to the financial statements, the impact on current period earnings by line item that would have been recorded in previous periods if the adjustment to the provisional amounts were recognized as of the acquisition date. The amendments in the ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within those fiscal years. We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements. Accounting Standards Update 2016-2, Leases (Topic 842) --In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842).” ASU 2016-02 establishes a comprehensive new lease accounting model. The new standard: (a) clarifies the definition of a lease; (b) requires a dual approach to lease classification similar to current lease classifications; and, (c) causes lessees to recognize leases on the balance sheet as a lease liability with a corresponding right-of-use asset for leases with a lease-term of more than twelve months. The new standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, which for Davey Tree would be January 1, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. The new standard requires a modified retrospective transition for capital or operating leases existing at or entered into after the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements, but it does not require transition accounting for leases that expire prior to the date of initial application. We are evaluating the impact of the new standard on our consolidated financial statements.

Business Combinations

Business Combinations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Combinations	Business Combinations Our investments in businesses were: (a) $4,149 in 2015 , including no liabilities assumed and debt issued of $1,500 ; (b) $12,853 in 2014 , including $1,078 liabilities assumed and debt issued of $2,080 ; and (c) $110 in 2013 , including no liabilities assumed and debt issued of $30 . The net assets of the businesses acquired are accounted for under the acquisition method and were recorded at their fair values at the dates of acquisition. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the net assets acquired was recorded as an increase in goodwill of approximately $1,410 in 2015 (all of which is deductible for tax purposes), $4,624 in 2014 (all of which is deductible for tax purposes) and no goodwill in 2013 . The results of operations of acquired businesses have been included in the consolidated statements of operations beginning as of the effective dates of acquisition. The effect of these acquisitions on our consolidated revenues and results of operations, either individually or in the aggregate, for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 or 2013 was not significant.

Accounts Receivable, Net and Su

Accounts Receivable, Net and Supplemental Balance Sheet Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounts Receivable, Net and Supplemental Balance Sheet Information [Abstract]
Accounts Receivable, Net and Supplemental Balance Sheet Information	Accounts Receivable, Net and Supplemental Balance Sheet Information Accounts receivable, net, consisted of the following: December 31, 2015 2014 Accounts receivable $ 104,567 $ 98,657 Receivables under contractual arrangements 19,142 15,362 123,709 114,019 Less allowances for doubtful accounts 3,708 2,421 $ 120,001 $ 111,598 Receivables under contractual arrangements consist of work-in-process in accordance with the terms of contracts, primarily, with utility services customers. E. Accounts Receivable, Net and Supplemental Balance Sheet Information (continued) The following items comprise the amounts included in the balance sheets: December 31, Other current assets 2015 2014 Refundable income taxes $ 2,952 $ 2,122 Note receivable — 4,319 Other 918 759 Total $ 3,870 $ 7,200 December 31, Other assets, noncurrent 2015 2014 Assets invested for self-insurance $ 17,167 $ 13,684 Investment--cost-method affiliate 1,172 1,168 Deferred income taxes 11,521 10,632 Other 2,560 2,305 Total $ 32,420 $ 27,789 December 31, Accrued expenses 2015 2014 Employee compensation $ 18,176 $ 19,195 Accrued compensated absences 8,607 8,034 Self-insured medical claims 2,347 2,722 Customer advances, deposits 2,564 2,030 Taxes, other than income 3,517 2,054 Other 935 890 Total $ 36,146 $ 34,925 December 31, Other liabilities, noncurrent 2015 2014 Pension and retirement plans $ 14,296 $ 16,311 Other 3,382 2,657 Total $ 17,678 $ 18,968

Supplemental Operating Informat

Supplemental Operating Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract]
Other Nonoperating Income and Expense	Supplemental Operating Information Other Nonoperating (Expense) Income, Net Other nonoperating (expense) income, net, included in the statements of operations follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Other nonoperating expense, net $ (5,744 ) $ (3,050 ) $ (2,827 ) Other nonoperating (expense) income, net, includes foreign currency losses of (i) $854 for 2015 , (ii) $235 for 2014 , and (iii) $146 for 2013 on the intercompany balances of our Canadian operations.

Supplemental Cash Flow Informat

Supplemental Cash Flow Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	Supplemental Cash Flow Information Supplemental cash flow information follows: Year Ended December 31, Supplemental cash flow information 2015 2014 2013 Interest paid $ 3,386 $ 2,948 $ 2,732 Income taxes paid, net 16,679 13,577 20,133 Noncash transactions: Debt issued for purchases of businesses $ 1,500 $ 2,080 $ 30 Detail of acquisitions: Assets acquired: Receivables $ — $ 1,852 $ — Operating supplies — 61 — Prepaid expense — 213 — Equipment 1,264 1,726 — Deposits and other 11 558 — Intangibles 2,874 8,443 110 Liabilities assumed — (1,078 ) — Debt issued for purchases of businesses (1,500 ) (2,080 ) (30 ) Cash paid $ 2,649 $ 9,695 $ 80

Identified Intangible Assets an

Identified Intangible Assets and Goodwill, Net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Identified Intangible Assets and Goodwill, Net [Text Block]	Identified Intangible Assets and Goodwill, Net The carrying amount of the identified intangibles and goodwill acquired in connection with our investments in businesses were as follows: Weighted-Average Amortization Period (Years) December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Amortized intangible assets: Customer lists/relationships 2.5 years $ 16,805 $ 13,764 $ 16,076 $ 12,560 Employment-related 2.5 years 6,811 6,008 7,026 5,776 Tradenames 2.8 years 5,502 4,539 5,286 4,153 Total 29,118 $ 24,311 28,388 $ 22,489 Less accumulated amortization 24,311 22,489 Identified intangibles, net 4,807 5,899 Unamortized intangible assets: Goodwill Not amortized 29,474 28,164 $ 34,281 $ 34,063 The changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill, by segment, for the year ended December 31, 2015 follow: Balance at January 1, 2015 Acquisitions Translation and Other Adjustments Balance at December 31, 2015 Utility $ 3,424 $ — $ — $ 3,424 Residential and Commercial 24,740 1,410 (100 ) 26,050 Total $ 28,164 $ 1,410 $ (100 ) $ 29,474 Estimated future aggregate amortization expense of intangible assets -- The estimated aggregate amortization expense of intangible assets, as of December 31, 2015 , in each of the next five years follows: Estimated Future Amortization Expense Year ending December 31, 2016 $ 1,781 2017 1,322 2018 585 2019 466 2020 411

Short-Term and Long-Term Debt

Short-Term and Long-Term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Short-Term and Long-Term Debt [Text Block]	Short-Term and Long-Term Debt Short-term debt consisted of the following: December 31, 2015 2014 Current portion of long-term debt $ 15,501 $ 8,281 I. Short-Term and Long-Term Debt (continued) At December 31, 2015 , we also had unused short-term lines of credit with several banks totaling $7,081 , generally at the banks' prime rate or LIBOR plus a margin adjustment of .75% to 1.50% . Long-term debt consisted of the following: December 31, 2015 2014 Revolving credit facility Swing-line borrowings $ 2,500 $ 7,500 LIBOR borrowings 52,000 37,000 54,500 44,500 Senior unsecured notes 30,000 30,000 Term loans 16,105 15,087 100,605 89,587 Less current portion 15,501 8,281 $ 85,104 $ 81,306 Revolving Credit Facility and 5.09% Senior Unsecured Notes -- In November 2013, the Company amended its revolving credit facility. The amended and restated credit agreement, which expires in November 2018, permits borrowings as defined up to $175,000 including a letter of credit sublimit of $100,000 and a swing-line commitment of $15,000 (the previous agreement permitted borrowings up to $140,000 with a letter of credit sublimit of $100,000 ). Under certain circumstances, the amount available under the revolving credit facility may be increased to $210,000 . The revolving credit facility contains certain affirmative and negative covenants customary for this type of facility and includes financial covenant ratios with respect to a maximum leverage ratio and a maximum balance sheet leverage ratio. On July 22, 2010, we issued $30,000 of 5.09% Senior Unsecured Notes, Series A, due July 22, 2020 (the " 5.09% Senior Notes"). The 5.09% Senior Notes were issued pursuant to a Master Note Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”), between the Company and the purchasers of the 5.09% Senior Notes. The net proceeds of the 5.09% Senior Notes were used to pay down borrowings under our revolving credit facility. The 5.09% Senior Notes are equal in right of payment with our revolving credit facility and all other senior unsecured obligations of the Company. Interest is payable semiannually and five equal, annual principal payments commence on July 22, 2016 (the sixth anniversary of issuance). The Purchase Agreement contains customary events of default and covenants related to limitations on indebtedness and transactions with affiliates and the maintenance of certain financial ratios. As of December 31, 2015 , we had unused commitments under the facility approximating $63,153 , and $111,847 committed, which consisted of borrowings of $54,500 and issued letters of credit of $57,347 . Borrowings outstanding bear interest, at Davey Tree’s option, of either (a) the base rate or (b) LIBOR plus a margin adjustment ranging from .75% to 1.50% --with the margin adjustments in both instances based on the Company's leverage ratio at the time of borrowing. The base rate is the greater of (i) the agent bank’s prime rate, (ii) LIBOR plus 1.5% , or (iii) the federal funds rate plus .5% . A commitment fee ranging from .10% to .25% is also required based on the average daily unborrowed commitment. Term Loans, Weighted-Average Interest Rate --The weighted-average interest on the term loans approximated 3.55% at December 31, 2015 and 3.03% at December 31, 2014 . Aggregate Maturities of Long-Term Debt --Aggregate maturities of long-term debt for the five years subsequent to December 31, 2015 were as follows: 2016 -- $15,501 ; 2017 -- $7,434 ; 2018 -- $61,050 ; 2019 -- $6,159 ; and, 2020 -- $6,169 .

Self-Insurance Accruals

Self-Insurance Accruals	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Self-Insurance Accruals [Abstract]
Self-Insurance Accruals [Text Block]	Self-Insurance Accruals Components of our self-insurance accruals for workers’ compensation, vehicle liability and general liability follow: December 31, 2015 2014 Workers' compensation $ 35,304 $ 32,982 Present value discount 1,937 1,658 33,367 31,324 Vehicle liability 5,880 4,940 General liability 21,092 22,629 Total 60,339 58,893 Less current portion 22,553 23,007 Noncurrent portion $ 37,786 $ 35,886 The changes in our self-insurance accruals and the discount rate used for the workers’ compensation accrual are summarized in the table below. December 31, 2015 2014 Balance, beginning of year $ 58,893 $ 56,712 Provision for claims 33,499 30,340 Payment of claims 32,053 28,159 Balance, end of year $ 60,339 $ 58,893 Workers' compensation discount rate 2.20 % 2.00 %

Operating Lease Obligations

Operating Lease Obligations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Leases, Operating [Abstract]
Operating Lease Obligations [Text Block]	Operating Lease Obligations We lease facilities under noncancelable operating leases, which are used for district office and warehouse operations. These leases extend for varying periods of time up to five years and, in some cases, contain renewal options. Minimum rental commitments under noncancelable operating leases, as of December 31, 2015 , were as follows: Minimum lease obligations Operating Lease Obligations Year ending December 31, 2016 $ 6,266 2017 4,302 2018 3,348 2019 2,463 2020 1,980 2021 and after 7,548 Total minimum lease payments $ 25,907 Total rent expense under all operating leases was $7,398 in 2015 , $6,554 in 2014 and $6,167 in 2013 .

Common Shares and Preferred Sha

Common Shares and Preferred Shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Common Shares and Preferred Shares [Text Block]	Common Shares and Preferred Shares Preferred Shares --We have authorized a class of 4,000,000 preferred shares, no par value, of which none were issued. Common Shares --The number of common shares authorized is 48,000,000 , par value $1.00 . The number of common shares issued during each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015 was 21,456,880 . The number of shares in the treasury for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015 was as follows: 2015 -- 8,713,566 ; 2014 -- 8,291,947 ; and 2013 -- 8,018,269 . Our common shares are not listed or traded on an established public trading market, and market prices are, therefore, not available. Semiannually, an independent stock valuation firm determines the fair market value of our common shares based upon our performance and financial condition. Since 1979, we have provided a ready market for all shareholders through our direct purchase of their common shares, although we are under no obligation to do so. During 2015 , purchases of common shares totaled 823,827 shares for $25,395 in cash; we also had direct sales to directors and employees of 14,492 shares for $438 , excluding those shares issued through either the exercise of options or the Employee Stock Purchase Plan. We also sold 46,124 shares to our 401(k) plan for $1,406 and issued 101,480 shares to participant accounts to satisfy our liability for the 2014 employer match in the amount of $3,055 . The liability accrued at December 31, 2015 for the 2015 employer match was $3,373 . There were also 125,779 shares purchased during 2015 under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Common Shares Outstanding -- The table below reconciles the activity of the common shares outstanding: December 31, 2015 2014 Shares outstanding, beginning of year 13,164,933 13,438,611 Shares purchased (823,827 ) (727,436 ) Shares sold 287,875 287,536 Stock subscription offering, employee cash purchases 43,071 49,940 Options exercised 71,262 116,282 (421,619 ) (273,678 ) Shares outstanding, end of year 12,743,314 13,164,933 On December 31, 2015 , we had 12,743,314 common shares outstanding, employee exercisable to purchase 416,844 common shares, partially-paid subscription for 436,081 common shares and purchase rights outstanding for 178,085 common shares. Stock Subscription Offering --Beginning May 2012, the Company offered to eligible employees and nonemployee directors the right to subscribe to common shares of the Company at $19.70 per share in accordance with the provisions of The Davey Tree Expert Company 2004 Omnibus Stock Plan and the rules of the Compensation Committee of the Company's Board of Directors (collectively, the "plan"). The offering period ended on August 1, 2012 and resulted in the subscription of 637,714 common shares for $12,563 at $19.70 per share. Under the plan, a participant in the offering purchasing common shares for an aggregate purchase price of less than $5 had to pay with cash. All participants (excluding Company directors and officers) purchasing $5 or more of the common shares had an option to finance their purchase through a down-payment of at least 10% of the total purchase price and a seven -year promissory note for the balance due with interest at 2% . Payments on the promissory note can be made either by payroll deductions or annual lump-sum payments of both principal and interest. Common shares purchased under the plan have been pledged as security for the payment of the promissory note and the common shares will not be issued until the promissory note is paid-in-full. Dividends will be paid on all subscribed shares, subject to forfeiture to the extent that payment is not ultimately made for the shares. L. Common Shares and Preferred Shares (continued) All participants in the offering purchasing in excess of $5 of common shares were granted a "right" to purchase one additional common share at a price of $19.70 per share for every three common shares purchased under the plan. As a result of the stock subscription, employees were granted rights to purchase 211,800 common shares. Each right may be exercised at the rate of one-seventh per year and will expire seven years after the date that the right was granted. Employees may not exercise a right should they cease to be employed by the Company.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive income (loss) is comprised of net income and other adjustments that relate to foreign currency translation adjustments, changes in the fair value of interest rate contracts qualifying as cash flow hedges, and defined benefit pension plan adjustments. We do not provide income taxes on currency translation adjustments, as the earnings of our Canadian operations are considered to be indefinitely reinvested. The following summarizes the components of other comprehensive income (loss) accumulated in shareholders’ equity: Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Defined Benefit Pension Plans Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) Balance at January 1, 2013 $ 3,511 $ (10,626 ) $ (7,115 ) Unrealized gains (losses) (1,864 ) — (1,864 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) — 1,401 1,401 Tax effect — (532 ) (532 ) Unrecognized amounts from defined benefit pension plans — 6,306 6,306 Tax effect — (2,589 ) (2,589 ) Net of tax amount (1,864 ) 4,586 2,722 Balance at December 31, 2013 $ 1,647 $ (6,040 ) $ (4,393 ) Unrealized gains (losses) (2,798 ) — (2,798 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) — 2,786 2,786 Tax effect — (1,095 ) (1,095 ) Unrecognized amounts from defined benefit pension plans — (9,923 ) (9,923 ) Tax effect — 3,900 3,900 Net of tax amount (2,798 ) (4,332 ) (7,130 ) Balance at December 31, 2014 $ (1,151 ) $ (10,372 ) $ (11,523 ) Unrealized gains (losses) (5,093 ) — (5,093 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) — 4,774 4,774 Tax effect — (1,878 ) (1,878 ) Unrecognized amounts from defined benefit pension plans — 538 538 Tax effect — (212 ) (212 ) Net of tax amount (5,093 ) 3,222 (1,871 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 $ (6,244 ) $ (7,150 ) $ (13,394 ) The amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to defined benefit pension plans for 2015, 2014 and 2013 are included in net periodic pension expense and classified in the statement of operations as costs and expenses, general and administrative.

The Davey 401KSOP and Employee

The Davey 401KSOP and Employee Stock Ownership Plan	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
The Davey 401KSOP and Employee Stock Ownership Plan	The Davey 401KSOP and Employee Stock Ownership Plan On March 15, 1979, we consummated a plan, which transferred control of the Company to our employees. As a part of this plan, we initially sold 120,000 common shares (presently, 11,520,000 common shares adjusted for stock splits) to our Employee Stock Ownership Trust (“ESOT”) for $2,700 . The Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”), in conjunction with the related ESOT, provided for the grant to certain employees of certain ownership rights in, but not possession of, the common shares held by the trustee of the ESOT. Annual allocations of shares have been made to individual accounts established for the benefit of the participants. Defined Contribution and Savings Plans-- Most employees are eligible to participate in The Davey 401KSOP and ESOP. Effective January 1, 1997, the plan commenced operations and retained the existing ESOP participant accounts and incorporated a deferred savings plan (a "401(k) plan") feature. Participants in the 401(k) plan are allowed to make before-tax contributions, within Internal Revenue Service established limits, through payroll deductions. Effective January 1, 2009 we match, in either cash or our common shares, 100% of the first one percent and 50% of the next three percent of each participant's before-tax contribution, limited to the first four percent of the employee's compensation deferred each year. All nonbargaining domestic employees who attained age 21 and completed one year of service are eligible to participate. In May 2004, we adopted the 401K Match Restoration Plan, a defined contribution plan that supplements the retirement benefits of certain employees that participate in the savings plan feature of The Davey 401KSOP and ESOP Plan, but are limited in contributions because of tax rules and regulations. Total compensation for these plans, consisting primarily of the employer match, was $3,373 in 2015 , $3,055 in 2014 , and $2,788 in 2013 .

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation Our shareholders approved the 2014 Omnibus Stock Plan (the “2014 Stock Plan”) at our annual meeting of shareholders on May 20, 2014. The 2014 Stock Plan replaced the expired 2004 Omnibus Stock Plan (the “2004 plan”) previously approved by the shareholders in 2004. The 2014 Stock Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors and will remain in effect for ten years. All directors of the Company and employees of the Company and its subsidiaries are eligible to participate in the 2014 Stock Plan. The 2014 Stock Plan (similar to the 2004 plan) continues the maintenance of the Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as well as provisions for the grant of stock options and other stock-based incentives. The 2014 Stock Plan provides for the grant of five percent of the number of the Company’s common shares outstanding as of the first day of each fiscal year plus the number of common shares that were available for grant of awards, but not granted, in prior years. In no event, however, may the number of common shares available for the grant of awards in any fiscal year exceed ten percent of the common shares outstanding as of the first day of that fiscal year. Common shares subject to an award that is forfeited, terminated, or canceled without having been exercised are generally added back to the number of shares available for grant under the 2014 Stock Plan. Stock-based compensation expense under all share-based payment plans—our Employee Stock Purchase Plan, stock option plans, stock-settled stock appreciation rights, and performance-based restricted stock units—included in the results of operations follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Compensation expense, all share-based payment plans $ 2,327 $ 1,860 $ 1,411 Income tax benefit 694 549 348 O. Stock-Based Compensation (continued) Stock-based compensation consisted of the following: Employee Stock Purchase Plan --Under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan, all full-time employees with one year of service are eligible to purchase, through payroll deduction, common shares. Employee purchases under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan are at 85% of the fair market value of the common shares--a 15% discount. Purchases under the plan, at 85% of the fair market value of the common shares, have been as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Number of employees participating 1,750 1,684 1,500 Shares purchased during the year 125,779 115,029 118,444 Weighted-average per share purchase price paid $ 26.22 $ 23.07 $ 20.01 Cumulative shares purchased since 1982 8,877,034 8,751,255 8,636,226 Compensation costs are recognized as payroll deductions are made. The 15% discount of total shares purchased under the plan resulted in compensation cost recognized of $569 in 2015 , $463 in 2014 and $417 in 2013 . Stock Option Plans --The stock options outstanding were awarded under a graded vesting schedule, measured at fair value, and have a term of ten years. Compensation costs for stock options are recognized over the requisite service period on the straight-line recognition method. Compensation cost recognized for stock options was $494 in 2015 , $398 in 2014 and $234 in 2013 . Stock-Settled Stock Appreciation Rights --During the year ended December 31, 2015 , the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors awarded 133,550 Stock-Settled Stock Appreciation Rights (“SSARs”) to certain management employees and nonemployee directors, which vest ratably over five years. A stock-settled stock appreciation right is an award that allows the recipient to receive common stock equal to the appreciation in the fair market value of our common stock between the date the award was granted and the conversion date of the shares vested. The following table summarizes the SSARs as of December 31, 2015 : Stock-Settled Stock Appreciation Rights Number of Rights Weighted- Average Award Date Value Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life Unrecognized Compensation Cost Aggregate Intrinsic Value Unvested, January 1, 2015 303,271 $ 3.84 Granted 133,550 5.78 Forfeited — — Vested (106,114 ) 3.76 Unvested, December 31, 2015 330,707 $ 4.65 2.9 years $ 1,149 $ 10,417 Employee SSARs 321,708 $ 4.71 3.0 years $ 1,137 $ 10,134 Nonemployee Director SSARs 8,999 $ 2.23 0.9 years $ 12 $ 283 Compensation costs for stock appreciation rights are determined using a fair-value method and amortized over the requisite service period. Compensation expense for stock appreciation rights totaled $489 in 2015 , $384 in 2014 and $315 in 2013 . O. Stock-Based Compensation (continued) Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units --During the year ended December 31, 2015 , the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors awarded 42,152 Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units ("PRSUs") to certain management employees. Similar awards were made in prior periods. The awards vest over specified periods. The following table summarizes Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units as of December 31, 2015 : Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units Number of Stock Units Weighted- Average Grant Date Value Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life Unrecognized Compensation Cost Aggregate Intrinsic Value Unvested, January 1, 2015 117,709 $ 21.14 Granted 42,152 29.14 Forfeited — — Vested (17,876 ) 17.44 Unvested, December 31, 2015 141,985 $ 23.98 2.3 years $ 1,909 $ 4,472 Employee PRSUs 121,435 $ 23.75 2.6 years $ 1,662 $ 3,825 Nonemployee Director PRSUs 20,550 $ 25.32 1.3 years $ 247 $ 647 Compensation cost for awards is determined using a fair-value method, amortized over the requisite service period. “Intrinsic value” is defined as the amount by which the fair market value of a common share of stock exceeds the exercise price of a performance-based restricted stock unit. Compensation expense on restricted stock awards totaled $775 in 2015 , $615 in 2014 and $445 in 2013 . The fair value of each award was estimated on the date of grant using a binomial option-pricing model. The binomial model considers a range of assumptions related to volatility, risk-free interest rate and employee exercise behavior. Expected volatilities utilized in the binomial model are based on historical volatility of our share prices and other factors. Similarly, the dividend yield is based on historical experience and expected future changes. The binomial model also incorporates exercise and forfeiture assumptions based on an analysis of historical data. The expected life of the stock-based awards is derived from the output of the binomial model and represents the period of time that awards granted are expected to be outstanding. The fair values of stock-based awards granted were estimated at the dates of grant with the following weighted-average assumptions: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Volatility rate 10.9 % 11.2 % 11.3 % Risk-free interest rate 2.1 % 2.6 % 2.1 % Expected dividend yield .7 % 1.1 % 1.5 % Expected life of awards (years) 9.3 9.4 9.4 O. Stock-Based Compensation (continued) General Stock Option Information --The following table summarizes activity under the stock option plans for the year ended December 31, 2015 : Stock Options Number of Options Outstanding Weighted- Average Exercise Price Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life Unrecognized Compensation Cost Aggregate Intrinsic Value Outstanding, January 1, 2015 770,131 $ 19.33 Granted 148,000 30.10 Exercised (66,687 ) 13.13 Forfeited (34,700 ) 24.27 Outstanding, December 31, 2015 816,744 $ 21.58 6.2 years $ 1,832 $ 8,102 Exercisable, December 31, 2015 416,844 $ 16.68 4.0 years $ 6,178 “Intrinsic value” is defined as the amount by which the market price of a common share of stock exceeds the exercise price of an option. Information regarding the stock options outstanding at December 31, 2015 is summarized below: Stock Options Exercise Price Number Outstanding Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life Weighted- Average Exercise Price Number Exercisable Weighted- Average Exercise Price Employee options: $ 11.25 121,938 0.4 years $ 11.25 121,938 $ 11.25 16.00 100,761 3.8 years 16.00 100,761 16.00 16.60 96,095 4.8 years 16.60 96,095 16.60 23.20 186,550 7.5 years 23.20 67,450 23.20 26.40 177,400 8.5 years 26.40 30,600 26.40 30.10 134,000 9.5 years 30.10 — 30.10 816,744 6.2 years $ 21.58 416,844 $ 16.68 We issue common shares from treasury upon the exercise of stock options, stock-settled stock appreciation rights, performance-based restricted stock units or purchases under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Tax Benefits of Stock-Based Compensation-- Our total income tax benefit from share-based awards--as recognized in our consolidated statement of operations--for the last three years was: $694 in 2015, $549 in 2014, and $348 in 2013. Tax benefits for share-based awards are accrued as stock compensation expense and recognized in our consolidated statement of operations. Tax benefits on share-based awards are realized when: (a) stock-settled stock appreciation rights are exercised; (b) performance-based restricted stock units vest; and, (c) stock options are exercised. When actual tax benefits realized exceed the tax benefits accrued for share-based awards, we realize an excess tax benefit. We had excess tax benefits of: $352 in 2015, $354 in 2014, and $242 in 2013.

Defined Benefit Pension Plans

Defined Benefit Pension Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Pension Plans	Defined Benefit Pension Plans We have defined benefit pension plans covering certain current and retired U.S. employees. Plans include: (i) the Employee Retirement Plan (“ERP”) for employees hired prior to January 1, 2009; (ii) a plan for bargaining employees not covered by union pension plans (the “SPP”) for which future benefit accruals were frozen effective December 31, 2013; (iii) a Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”) for which future benefit accruals were frozen effective at the end of the second quarter 2015; and, (iv) a Benefit Restoration Pension Plan (“Restoration Plan”) for certain key employees hired prior to January 1, 2009. Both the SERP and the Restoration Plan are defined benefit plans under which nonqualifed supplemental pension benefits will be paid in addition to amounts paid under our qualified retirement defined benefit pension plans, which are subject to Internal Revenue Service limitations on covered compensation. Effective December 31, 2008, enhanced benefits were implemented to our defined contribution savings plan--The Davey 401KSOP and ESOP--at which time, the Board of Directors approved an amendment to freeze the ERP and the Restoration Plan. The ERP was closed to new participants after December 2008. In connection with the freeze of the ERP, the Restoration Plan and the SERP, (a) benefits currently being paid to retirees continue and (b) benefits accrued through December 31, 2008 for employees covered by the ERP were not affected. All ERP, Restoration Plan and SERP balances remain intact and participant account balances, as well as service credits for vesting and retirement eligibility, remain intact and continue in accordance with the terms of the plans. Only future accruals were eliminated with the: (i) 2008 freeze of the ERP and Restoration Plan; (ii) 2013 freeze of the SPP; and, (iii) 2015 freeze of the SERP. The change in benefit obligations and the fair value of plans assets follows: December 31, 2015 2014 Change in benefit obligation Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 35,876 $ 31,888 Service cost 35 51 Interest cost 1,486 1,618 Actuarial (gains)/losses (2,445 ) 4,838 New longevity assumptions (340 ) 3,229 Curtailments (404 ) — Settlements (6,186 ) (4,319 ) Benefits paid (794 ) (1,429 ) Projected benefit obligation at end of year $ 27,228 $ 35,876 Accumulated benefit obligation at end of year $ 27,228 $ 35,475 December 31, 2015 2014 Change in fair value of plan assets Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ 21,567 $ 25,754 Actual return on plan assets (135 ) 540 Plan expenses, including PBGC premiums (536 ) (404 ) Employer contributions 1,300 1,425 Settlements (6,186 ) (4,319 ) Benefits paid (794 ) (1,429 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year $ 15,216 $ 21,567 P. Defined Benefit Pension Plans (continued) The settlements in the change in benefit obligation and in the change in fair value of plan assets, arise from the purchase, during the fourth quarters ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, of a guaranteed group annuity contract from a third-party insurance company which unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees the full payment of all annuity payments to the participants that were receiving payments from the ERP plan, with the third-party insurance company having assumed all investment risk associated with funding participant payments. Also, payments made on behalf of certain SPP participants also contributed to the 2015 settlement charges. December 31, 2015 2014 Funded status of the plans Fair value of plan assets $ 15,216 $ 21,567 Projected benefit obligation 27,228 35,876 Funded status of the plans $ (12,012 ) $ (14,309 ) December 31, 2015 2014 Amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets Current liability $ (499 ) $ (38 ) Noncurrent liability (11,513 ) (14,271 ) Funded status of the plans $ (12,012 ) $ (14,309 ) The change in funded status of the plans and accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to our defined benefit pension plans as at December 31, 2015, is primarily a result of higher discount rates and having updated the mortality improvement tables. In 2014, the Society of Actuaries (“SOA”) issued new mortality and mortality improvement tables that reflect longer life expectancies and thereby indicate the amount of estimated aggregate benefit payments to plan participants is increasing. We incorporated the new SOA tables--new longevity assumptions--into our December 31, 2014 measurement of pension plans’ benefit obligations. The SOA further updated the mortality improvement tables in 2015 and we have reflected this update into our December 31, 2015 measurement. Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), related to our defined benefit pension plans follow: At December 31, 2015 At December 31, 2014 Pretax Net of Tax Pretax Net of Tax Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive income Unrecognized net actuarial loss $ 11,836 $ 7,150 $ 17,093 $ 10,339 Unrecognized prior service cost — — 55 33 $ 11,836 $ 7,150 $ 17,148 $ 10,372 To the extent actuarial losses exceed the greater of 10% of the projected benefit obligation or market-related value of plan assets, the unrecognized actuarial losses will be amortized straight-line on a plan-by-plan basis, over the remaining expected future working lifetime of active participants, except for the SERP, which, after the plan freeze, is being amortized based on the remaining life expectancy of plan participants. The total amount of unrecognized prior service cost was amortized straight-line on a plan-by-plan basis. The total amortization associated with these amounts that is expected to be recognized in net periodic benefit expense for 2016 follows: P. Defined Benefit Pension Plans (continued) Year ending December 31, 2016 Pretax Net of Tax Amortization of Costs Expected to be Recognized Next Year Unrecognized net actuarial loss $ 973 $ 584 $ 973 $ 584 The aggregate projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for plans in which the fair value of plan assets is less than either the projected benefit obligation or accumulated benefit obligation follow: December 31, 2015 2014 For pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets Projected benefit obligation $ 27,228 $ 35,876 Accumulated benefit obligation 27,228 35,475 Fair value of plan assets 15,216 21,567 The actuarial assumptions follow. The discount rates were used to measure the year-end benefit obligation and compute pension expense for the subsequent year. December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Actuarial assumptions Discount rate 4.70 % 4.30 % 5.20 % Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets 7.25 7.50 7.75 Net periodic benefit expense (income) associated with the defined benefit pension plans included the following components: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Components of pension expense (income) Service costs--increase in benefit obligation earned $ 35 $ 51 $ 222 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 1,486 1,618 1,515 Expected return on plan assets (1,576 ) (1,993 ) (1,760 ) Curtailment loss 49 — — Settlement loss 2,915 2,065 — Amortization of net actuarial loss 1,400 708 1,388 Amortization of prior service cost 6 14 14 Net pension expense of defined benefit pension plans $ 4,315 $ 2,463 $ 1,379 P. Defined Benefit Pension Plans (continued) Investment Strategy and Risk Management for Plan Assets-- Our investment strategy is to manage the plan assets in order to pay retirement benefits to plan participants while minimizing our cash contributions over the life of the plans. This is accomplished by preserving capital through diversification in high-quality investments through the use of investment managers and mutual funds. Performance of all investment managers and mutual funds is monitored quarterly and evaluated over rolling three -to- five year periods. The plan assets are divided into asset classes that include equity, fixed income, and alternative investments and allocated among target allocations to include: (a) equities of a minimum 55% to a maximum of 65% ; (b) fixed income and cash of a minimum 20% to a maximum of 30% ; and, (c) alternative investments of a minimum of zero to a maximum of 15% . The purpose of the equity asset class is to provide a total return that simultaneously provides for growth in principal and current income while at the same time preserving the purchasing power of the plan assets, even though assets invested in equities have greater market volatility and risk. The purpose of the fixed income asset class is to provide a deflation hedge, to reduce the overall volatility of plan assets and to produce current income in support of the needs of the plan. The purpose of alternative investments is the diversification benefit of alternative strategies. Equity assets are to be allocated within certain ranges among the asset categories of large cap growth and value; small/midcap growth and value; and international growth and value. Each of the equity asset categories are assigned to an appropriate asset manager or mutual fund. Fixed income assets are allocated within a certain range to mutual funds of fixed income securities. Alternative investment assets are allocated within a certain range to mutual funds and may include the use of leverage. Short-selling, securities lending, financial futures, margins, options, and derivatives are not used. Investments in nonmarketable securities, commodities, or direct ownership of real estate are prohibited. Rate-of-return-on-assets assumptions are made by major category of plan assets according to historical analysis, tempered for an assessment of possible future influences that could cause the returns to exceed or trail long-term patterns. The overall expected long-term rate-of-return-on-plan assets net of investment manager fees as at December 31, 2015 , was 7.25% . Plan Assets --The fair values of our pension plan assets at December 31, 2015 by asset category, using the three-level hierarchy of fair value inputs, were as follows: Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2015 Using: Description Total Carrying Value at December 31, 2015 Quoted prices in active markets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Asset Category Money market funds $ 2,794 $ — $ 2,794 $ — U.S. large-cap equities Growth 1,869 1,869 — — Value 1,492 1,492 — — U.S. small/mid-cap equities Growth 781 781 — — Value 1,003 1,003 — — International equities Growth 1,270 1,270 — — Value 1,183 1,183 — — Fixed income 3,035 3,035 — — Multiclass world-allocation mutual funds 1,789 1,789 — — $ 15,216 $ 12,422 $ 2,794 $ — P. Defined Benefit Pension Plans (continued) The fair values of our pension plan assets at December 31, 2014 by asset category, using the three-level hierarchy of fair value inputs, were as follows: Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2014 Using: Description Total Carrying Value at December 31, 2014 Quoted prices in active markets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Asset Category Money market funds $ 2,442 $ — $ 2,442 $ — U.S. large-cap equities Growth 2,625 2,625 — — Value 2,088 2,088 — — U.S. small/mid-cap equities Growth 1,623 1,623 — — Value 1,844 1,844 — — International equities Growth 2,128 2,128 — — Value 2,124 2,124 — — Fixed income 3,747 3,747 — — Multiclass world-allocation mutual funds 2,946 2,946 — — $ 21,567 $ 19,125 $ 2,442 $ — Within the pension plan asset categories, the Level 1 investments are publicly traded in active markets and are valued using the net asset value or closing price of the investment at the measurement date. Securities held by a money market fund are generally high quality and liquid; however, they are reflected as Level 2 because the inputs used to determine fair value are not quoted prices in an active market. Expected Benefit Plan Contributions --It is our practice to make contributions to comply with the minimum funding requirements of ERISA. In accordance with such practice, no contributions are required for 2016; however, we may make discretionary contributions. Expected Benefit Plan Payments --The benefits, as of December 31, 2015 , expected to be paid to defined-benefit plan participants in each of the next five years, and in the aggregate for the five years thereafter, follow: Participants Benefits Estimated future payments Year ending December 31, 2016 $ 650 2017 904 2018 1,022 2019 1,139 2020 1,260 Years 2021 to 2025 7,593 Multiemployer Defined Benefit Pension Plans --In providing services to our Utility Services customers, we contribute to multiemployer defined benefit pension plans under the terms of collective-bargaining agreements that cover certain of our union-represented employees. P. Defined Benefit Pension Plans (continued) These plans generally provide retirement benefits to participants based on their service to contributing employers. We do not administer these multiemployer plans. In general, these plans are managed by a board of trustees with the unions appointing certain trustees and other contributing employers of the plan appointing certain members. We generally are not represented on the board of trustees. The risks of participating in these multiemployer plans are different from single-employer plans in that: (a) assets contributed to the multiemployer plan by one employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers; (b) if a participating employer stops contributing to the plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan may be assumed by the remaining participating employers; and, (c) if we choose to stop participating in a multiemployer plan, we may be required to pay the plan an amount based on the underfunded status of the plan, referred to as a withdrawal liability. Our participation in the multiemployer defined benefit pension plans is summarized in the table below. The “EIN/Pension Plan Number” column provides the Employer Identification Number (“EIN”) and the three-digit plan number. The most recent Pension Protection Act of 2006 (the “PPA”) zone status is from the Form 5500, “Annual Return/Report of Employee Benefit Plan,” filed by the plan and certified by the plan's actuary. The PPA zone status describes plans that are underfunded. Among other factors, plans in the “critical” red zone are generally less than 65% funded; plans in the “endangered” yellow zone are less than 80% funded; and, plans in the “safe” green zone are at least 80% funded. Pension Fund EIN/Pension Plan Number Pension Protection Act Zone Status FIP/RP Status Pending Implemented Davey Tree Contributions Surcharge Imposed Expiration Dates of Bargaining Agreement 2015 2014 2015 2014 2013 National Electric Benefit Fund 53-0181657/001 Green Green No $ 774 $ 743 $ 755 No Ranging from June 30, 2017 to December 31, 2018 Eighth District Electrical Pension Fund 84-6100393/001 Green Green No 119 105 100 No December 31, 2017 $ 893 $ 848 $ 855 We were not listed in the Form 5500 for either plan as having provided more than 5% of the total contributions. Both the National Electric Benefit Fund and the Eighth District Electrical Pension Fund are green zone status--safe--which represents at least 80% funded and does not require a “financial improvement plan” (“FIP”) or a “rehabilitation plan” (“RP”). We are party to eight collective-bargaining agreements with the National Electric Benefit Fund, with expiration dates ranging from June 30, 2017 to December 31, 2018 and one collective-bargaining agreement with Eighth District Electrical Pension Fund with an expiration date of December 31, 2017.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Income before income taxes was attributable to the following sources: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 United States $ 32,807 $ 30,380 $ 29,203 Canada 2,451 7,920 6,362 Total $ 35,258 $ 38,300 $ 35,565 Q. Income Taxes (continued) The provision for income taxes follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Currently payable: Federal $ 13,337 $ 13,159 $ 7,089 State 2,487 2,524 2,183 Canadian 611 2,127 1,724 Total current 16,435 17,810 10,996 Deferred taxes (2,975 ) (2,679 ) 1,716 Total taxes on income $ 13,460 $ 15,131 $ 12,712 A reconciliation of the expected statutory U.S. federal rate to our actual effective income tax rate follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Statutory U.S. federal tax rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % State income taxes, net of federal benefit 3.7 3.9 3.6 Effect of Canadian income taxes (.5 ) (1.7 ) (1.6 ) Nondeductible expenses 2.3 1.9 1.9 ESOP dividend deduction (.8 ) (.7 ) (.8 ) Uncertain tax adjustments and audit settlement 1.5 1.6 (2.2 ) Valuation allowance (2.2 ) — — All other, net (.8 ) (.5 ) (.2 ) Effective income tax rate 38.2 % 39.5 % 35.7 % Deferred income taxes reflect the tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. A valuation allowance is recorded when it is more-likely-than-not that an income tax benefit will not be realized. In November 2015, as discussed in Note C, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2015-17 that requires deferred tax assets and liabilities to be classified as noncurrent in the balance sheet. The guidance is effective for annual periods, and for interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. We elected to early adopt the guidance during the fourth quarter of 2015 and have applied a full retrospective approach to all periods presented. Current deferrred income tax assets of $8,927 as of December 31, 2014 have been reclassified and presented as an increase to net deferred tax assets, noncurrent, in the consolidated balance sheet. The impact of adopting the standard on the December 31, 2014 consolidated balance sheet follows. Q. Income Taxes (continued) Previously Reported Reclassified As Adopted Consolidated Balance Sheet, as of December 31, 2014 Deferred income tax assets--current $ 12,087 $ (12,087 ) $ — Deferred income tax assets--noncurrent 22,399 12,087 34,486 Deferred income tax liability--current 3,160 (3,160 ) — Deferred income tax liabilities--noncurrent 20,694 3,160 23,854 $ 10,632 Significant components of our noncurrent net deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, were as follows: December 31, 2015 2014 Deferred tax assets: Self-insurance accruals $ 21,136 $ 20,661 Accrued compensated absences 3,189 3,090 Accrued expenses and other liabilities 1,255 1,388 Accrued stock compensation 2,144 1,642 Defined benefit pension plans 3,721 4,573 Foreign tax credit carryforward 680 768 Other future deductible amounts, net 4,354 3,132 36,479 35,254 Less deferred tax asset valuation allowance — 768 36,479 34,486 Deferred tax liabilities: Intangibles 150 269 Prepaid expenses 3,138 3,160 Property and equipment 21,670 20,425 24,958 23,854 Net deferred tax assets--noncurrent $ 11,521 $ 10,632 We treat all of our Canadian subsidiary earnings through December 31, 2015 as permanently reinvested and have not provided any U.S. federal or state tax thereon. As of December 31, 2015 , approximately $27,268 of undistributed earnings attributable to our Canadian operations was considered to be indefinitely invested. Presently, our intention is to reinvest the earnings permanently. If, in the future, these earnings are distributed to the U.S. in the form of dividends or otherwise, or if the Company determines such earnings will be remitted in the foreseeable future, the Company would be subject to U.S. income taxes and Canadian withholding taxes. It is not practicable to estimate the amount of taxes that would be payable upon remittance of these earnings given the various tax planning alternatives that we could employ should we decide to repatriate those earnings. Q. Income Taxes (continued) As at December 31, 2015, we released a valuation allowance that had been recorded in prior years related to the foreign tax credit carryforward that arose in 2010--wherein we repatriated earnings in 2010 of our Canadian operations due to capital in Canada in excess of current and future projected needs. Management presently believes that it is more-likely-than-not that the deferred tax asset, related to the foreign tax credit that expires in 2020, will be realized. The criteria considered in making the determination included the ability to utilize tax-planning strategies, historical and projected operating results, and the period of time over which the foreign tax credit can be utilized. The amount of income taxes we pay is subject to audit by U.S. federal, state, local and Canadian tax authorities, which may result in proposed assessments. Our estimate for the potential outcome for any uncertain tax issue is highly judgmental. Uncertain tax positions are recognized only if they are more-likely-than-not to be upheld during examination based on their technical merits. The measurement of the uncertain tax position is based on the largest benefit amount that is more-likely-than-not (determined on a cumulative probability basis) to be realized upon settlement of the matter. If payment of these amounts ultimately proves to be unnecessary, the reversal of the liabilities would result in tax benefits being recognized in the period when we determine the liabilities are no longer necessary. If the estimate of tax liabilities proves to be less than the ultimate settlement, a further charge to expense may result. The balance of unrecognized benefits and the amount of related interest and penalties at December 31, were as follows: December 31, 2015 2014 Unrecognized tax benefits $ 2,557 $ 1,949 Portion, if recognized, would reduce tax expense and effective tax rate 1,981 1,512 Accrued interest on unrecognized tax benefits 115 77 Accrued penalties on unrecognized benefits — — We recognize interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. Penalties, if incurred, would be recognized as a component of income tax expense. The Company is routinely under audit by U.S. federal, state, local and Canadian authorities in the area of income tax. These audits include questioning the timing and the amount of income and deductions and the allocation of income and deductions among various tax jurisdictions. During the fourth quarter 2013, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service completed its audit of the Company's U.S. income tax returns for 2010 and 2011 and, during 2010, Canada Revenue Agency completed its audit of the Company's Canadian operations for 2006, 2007 and 2008. With the exception of U.S. state jurisdictions, the Company is no longer subject to examination by tax authorities for the years through 2011. As of December 31, 2015, we believe it is reasonably possible that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits will not significantly increase or decrease. The changes in our unrecognized tax benefits are summarized in the table below: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Balance, beginning of year $ 1,949 $ 1,221 $ 2,638 Additions based on tax positions related to the current year 642 587 370 Additions for tax positions of prior years 52 234 133 Reductions for tax positions of prior years (63 ) (79 ) (1,155 ) Reductions related to settlements with taxing authorities — — (460 ) Lapses in statutes of limitations (23 ) (14 ) (305 ) Balance, end of year $ 2,557 $ 1,949 $ 1,221

Earnings Per Share Information

Earnings Per Share Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share Information	Earnings Per Share Information Earnings per share is computed as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Income available to common shareholders: Net income $ 21,798 $ 23,169 $ 22,853 Weighted-average shares: Basic: Outstanding 13,029,368 13,337,198 13,639,356 Partially-paid share subscriptions 436,081 484,025 531,325 Basic weighted-average shares 13,465,449 13,821,223 14,170,681 Diluted: Basic from above 13,465,449 13,821,223 14,170,681 Incremental shares from assumed: Exercise of stock subscription purchase rights 67,714 54,824 34,273 Exercise of stock options and awards 444,127 362,229 397,478 Diluted weighted-average shares 13,977,290 14,238,276 14,602,432 Share data: Earnings per share--basic $ 1.62 $ 1.68 $ 1.61 Earnings per share--diluted $ 1.56 $ 1.63 $ 1.57

Operations by Business Segment

Operations by Business Segment and Geographic Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Operations by Business Segment and Geographic Information	Operations by Business Segment and Geographic Information We provide a wide range of arboriculture, horticulture, environmental and consulting services to residential, utility, commercial and government entities throughout the United States and Canada. We have two reportable operating segments organized by type or class of customer: Residential and Commercial, and Utility. Residential and Commercial --Residential and Commercial provides services to our residential and commercial customers including: the treatment, preservation, maintenance, removal, planting of trees, shrubs and other plant life; the practice of landscaping, grounds maintenance, tree surgery, tree feeding and tree spraying; the application of fertilizer, herbicides and insecticides; and, natural resource management and consulting, forestry research and development, and environmental planning. Utility --Utility is principally engaged in providing services to our utility customers--investor-owned, municipal utilities, and rural electric cooperatives--including: the practice of line-clearing and vegetation management around power lines, rights-of-way and chemical brush control; and, natural resource management and consulting, forestry research and development and environmental planning. All other operating activities, including research, technical support and laboratory diagnostic facilities, are included in “All Other.” Measurement of Segment Profit and Loss and Segment Assets --We evaluate performance and allocate resources based primarily on operating income and also actively manage business unit operating assets. The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies except that (a) we compute and recognize depreciation expense for our segments only by the straight-line method and (b) state income taxes are allocated to the segments. Corporate expenses are substantially allocated among the operating segments, but the nature of expenses allocated may differ from year-to-year. There are no intersegment revenues. S. Operations by Business Segment and Geographic Information (continued) Segment assets are those generated or directly used by each segment, and include accounts receivable, operating supplies, and property and equipment. Information on reportable segments and reconciliation to the consolidated financial statements follows: Utility Services Residential Commercial Services All Other Reconciling Adjustments Consolidated Fiscal Year 2015 Revenues $ 433,117 $ 386,327 $ 2,460 $ — $ 821,904 Income (loss) from operations 24,273 35,271 (5,368 ) (10,068 ) (a) 44,108 Interest expense (3,355 ) (3,355 ) Interest income 249 249 Other income (expense), net (5,744 ) (5,744 ) Income before income taxes $ 35,258 Depreciation $ 25,466 $ 15,592 $ — $ 3,619 (b) $ 44,677 Amortization 144 2,062 — 8 2,214 Capital expenditures 26,853 22,853 — 6,341 56,047 Segment assets, total 145,306 162,679 — 86,072 (c) 394,057 Fiscal Year 2014 Revenues $ 404,519 $ 386,274 $ (882 ) $ — $ 789,911 Income (loss) from operations 21,382 37,232 (6,037 ) (8,574 ) (a) 44,003 Interest expense (2,948 ) (2,948 ) Interest income 295 295 Other income (expense), net (3,050 ) (3,050 ) Income before income taxes $ 38,300 Depreciation $ 23,225 $ 14,544 $ — $ 3,201 (b) $ 40,970 Amortization 174 1,896 — — 2,070 Capital expenditures 25,994 17,490 — 12,247 55,731 Segment assets, total 150,002 144,413 — 86,589 (c) 381,004 Fiscal Year 2013 Revenues $ 376,520 $ 334,878 $ 2,450 $ — $ 713,848 Income (loss) from operations 16,070 33,566 (2,869 ) (5,978 ) (a) 40,789 Interest expense (2,708 ) (2,708 ) Interest income 311 311 Other income (expense), net (2,827 ) (2,827 ) Income before income taxes $ 35,565 Depreciation $ 22,261 $ 13,286 $ — $ 2,684 (b) $ 38,231 Amortization 359 1,440 — 181 1,980 Capital expenditures 21,642 17,577 — 5,986 45,205 Segment assets, total 145,021 122,542 — 65,815 (c) 333,378 S. Operations by Business Segment and Geographic Information (continued) Reconciling adjustments from segment reporting to consolidated external financial reporting include unallocated corporate items: (a) Reconciling adjustments from segment reporting to consolidated external financial reporting include reclassification of depreciation expense and allocation of corporate expenses. (b) Adjustments to declining-balance method depreciation expense from straight-line method and depreciation and amortization of corporate assets. (c) Corporate assets include cash, prepaid expenses, corporate facilities, enterprise-wide information systems and other nonoperating assets. Geographic Information -- The following presents revenues and long-lived assets by geographic territory: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Revenues United States $ 749,896 $ 706,145 $ 637,524 Canada 72,008 83,766 76,324 $ 821,904 $ 789,911 $ 713,848 December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Long-lived assets, net United States $ 213,794 $ 196,116 $ 166,598 Canada 19,329 17,692 14,764 $ 233,123 $ 213,808 $ 181,362

Fair Value Measurements and Fin

Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments	Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standard Codification 820, “Fair Value of Measurements and Disclosures (“Topic 820”)” defines fair value based on the price that would be received to sell an asset or the exit price that would be paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Market participants are defined as buyers or sellers in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability that are independent of the reporting entity, knowledgeable and able and willing to transact for the asset or liability. Valuation Hierarchy --Topic 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes observable and unobservable inputs used to measure fair value. The hierarchy prioritizes the inputs into three broad levels: Level 1 inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the entity has the ability to access. Level 2 inputs are observable inputs other than prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated with observable market data. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets and liabilities. This includes certain pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies and similar techniques that use significant unobservable inputs. T. Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments (continued) Our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , were as follows: Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2015 Using: Total Carrying Value at Quoted prices in active markets Significant other observable inputs Significant unobservable inputs Description December 31, 2015 (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Assets: Assets invested for self-insurance, classified as other assets, noncurrent $ 17,167 $ 17,167 $ — $ — Defined benefit pension plan assets 15,216 12,422 2,794 — Liabilities: Deferred compensation $ 1,574 $ — $ 1,574 $ — Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2014 Using: Total Carrying Value at Quoted prices in active markets Significant other observable inputs Significant unobservable inputs Description December 31, 2014 (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Assets: Assets invested for self-insurance, classified as other assets, noncurrent $ 13,684 $ 13,684 $ — $ — Defined benefit pension plan assets 21,567 19,125 2,442 — Liabilities: Deferred compensation $ 1,423 $ — $ 1,423 $ — The estimated fair value of the deferred compensation--classified as Level 2--is based on the value of the Company's common shares, determined by independent valuation. T. Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments (continued) Fair Value of Financial Instruments --The fair values of our current financial assets and current liabilities, including cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued expenses among others, approximate their reported carrying values because of their short-term nature. The assets invested for self-insurance are money market funds--classified as Level 1--based on quoted market prices of the identical underlying securities in active markets. The estimated fair value of our derivative instruments are calculated based on market rates to settle the instruments, as discussed below, representing the amount we would receive upon sale or pay upon transfer. Financial instruments classified as noncurrent liabilities and their carrying values and fair values were as follows: December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Revolving credit facility, noncurrent $ 54,500 $ 54,500 44,500 44,500 Senior unsecured notes 24,000 24,837 30,000 30,688 Term loans, noncurrent 6,604 7,008 6,806 7,195 Total $ 85,104 $ 86,345 $ 81,306 $ 82,383 The carrying value of our revolving credit facility approximates fair value--classified as Level 2--as the interest rates on the amounts outstanding are variable. The fair value of our senior unsecured notes and term loans--classified as Level 2--is determined based on expected future weighted-average interest rates with the same remaining maturities. Market Risk-- In the normal course of business, we are exposed to market risk related to changes in foreign currency exchange rates, changes in interest rates and changes in fuel prices. We do not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. In prior years, we have used derivative financial instruments to manage risk, in part, associated with changes in interest rates and changes in fuel prices. Presently, we are not engaged in any hedging or derivative activities.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies Letters of Credit At December 31, 2015 , we were contingently liable to our principal banks in the amount of $59,350 for letters of credit outstanding primarily related to insurance coverage. Surety Bonds In certain circumstances, we have performance obligations that are supported by surety bonds in connection with our contractual commitments. Litigation We are party to a number of lawsuits, threatened lawsuits and other claims arising out of the normal course of business. Management is of the opinion that liabilities which may result are adequately covered by insurance, or reflected in the self-insurance accruals, and would not be material in relation to the financial position or results of operations.

Quarterly Results of Operations

Quarterly Results of Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly results of operations (unaudited)	Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) The following is a summary of the results of operations for each quarter of 2015 and 2014 . Fiscal 2015, Three Months Ended Apr 4 July 4 Oct 3 Dec 31 Revenues $ 174,292 $ 224,773 $ 224,981 $ 197,858 Gross profit (revenues less costs and expenses, operating) 54,434 87,432 81,808 69,331 Income (loss) from operations (3,985 ) 27,796 16,177 4,120 Net income (loss) (3,528 ) 15,932 8,174 1,220 Net income (loss) per share -- Basic $ (.27 ) $ 1.21 $ .58 $ .10 Net income (loss) per share -- Diluted $ (.27 ) $ 1.17 $ .55 $ .11 ESOT Valuation per share $ 30.10 $ 30.10 $ 31.50 $ 32.70 Fiscal 2014, Three Months Ended Mar 29 Jun 29 Sept 27 Dec 31 Revenues $ 157,387 $ 213,183 $ 216,604 $ 202,737 Gross profit (revenues less costs and expenses, operating) 48,156 82,900 77,613 72,565 Income (loss) from operations (4,725 ) 23,815 17,144 7,769 Net income (loss) (6,180 ) 14,046 9,657 5,646 Net income (loss) per share -- Basic $ (.29 ) $ 1.04 $ .72 $ .21 Net income (loss) per share -- Diluted $ (.29 ) $ 1.01 $ .69 $ .22 ESOT Valuation per share $ 26.40 $ 26.40 $ 27.80 $ 30.10 Fourth quarters 2015 and 2014 include a decrease in casualty insurance expense that had the effect of increasing the fourth quarter gross profit for 2015 and 2014 by approximately $2,589 and $3,875, respectively.

Summary of Significant Accoun31

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles of consolidation and basis of presentation [Text Block]	Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation --The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Davey Tree and our wholly-owned subsidiaries and were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) as codified in the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC"). Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of estimates in financial statement preparation [Policy Text Block]	Use of Estimates in Financial Statement Preparation --The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts. Estimates are used for, but not limited to, accounts receivable valuation, depreciable lives of fixed assets, self-insurance accruals, and revenue recognition. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Property and equipment [Policy Text Block]	Property and Equipment --Property and equipment are stated at cost. Repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Depreciation is computed for financial reporting purposes by the straight-line method for land improvements, building and leasehold improvements and by the declining-balance method for equipment, based on the estimated useful lives of the assets, as follows: Land improvements 5 to 20 years Buildings 5 to 20 years Equipment 3 to 10 years Leasehold improvements Shorter of lease term or estimated useful life; ranging from 5-to-20 years
Intangible assets [Policy Text Block]	Intangible Assets --Intangible assets with finite lives, primarily customer lists, noncompete agreements and tradenames, are amortized by the straight-line method based on their estimated useful lives, ranging from one-to-ten years.
Long-lived assets [Policy Text Block]	Long-Lived Assets --We assess potential impairment to our long-lived assets, other than goodwill, when there is evidence that events or changes in circumstances have made recovery of the asset’s carrying value unlikely and the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the estimated future undiscounted cash flow. In the event the assessment indicates that the carrying amounts B. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) may not be recoverable, an impairment loss would be recognized to reduce the asset’s carrying amount to its estimated fair value based on the present value of the estimated future cash flows.
Goodwill [Policy Text Block]	Goodwill --Goodwill is recorded when the cost of acquired businesses exceeds the fair value of the identified net assets acquired. Goodwill is not amortized, but tested for impairment annually or when events or circumstances indicate that impairment may have occurred. Annually, we perform the impairment tests for goodwill during the fourth quarter. Impairment of goodwill is tested at the reporting-unit level, which for us are also our business segments. Impairment of goodwill is tested by comparing the reporting unit’s carrying value, including goodwill, to the fair value of the reporting unit. The fair values of the reporting units are estimated using discounted projected cash flows. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, goodwill is considered impaired and a second step is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. We conducted our annual impairment tests and determined that no impairment loss was required to be recognized in 2015 or for any prior periods. There were no events or circumstances from the date of our assessment through December 31, 2015 that would impact this conclusion.
Self-insurance accruals [Policy Text Block]	Self-Insurance Accruals --We are generally self-insured for losses and liabilities related primarily to workers’ compensation, vehicle liability and general liability claims. We use commercial insurance as a risk-reduction strategy to minimize catastrophic losses. Ultimate losses are accrued based upon estimates of the aggregate liability for claims incurred using certain actuarial assumptions followed in the insurance industry and based on Company-specific experience. Our self-insurance accruals include claims for which the ultimate losses will develop over a period of years. Accordingly, our estimates of ultimate losses can change as claims mature. Our accruals also are affected by changes in the number of new claims incurred and claim severity. The methods for estimating the ultimate losses and the total cost of claims were determined by third-party consulting actuaries; the resulting accruals are reviewed by management, and any adjustments arising from changes in estimates are reflected in income. The workers' compensation accruals are discounted as the amount and timing of cash payments related to those accruals are reliably determinable given the nature of workers' compensation benefits and the level of historical claim volume to support the actuarial assumptions and judgments used to derive the expected loss payment pattern. The workers' compensation accruals are discounted using an interest rate that approximates the long-term investment yields over the expected payment pattern of unpaid losses. Our self-insurance accruals are based on estimates and, while we believe that the amounts accrued are adequate and not excessive, the ultimate claims may be in excess of or less than the amounts provided.
Stock-based compensation [Policy Text Block]	Stock-Based Compensation -- Stock-based compensation cost for all share-based payment plans is measured at fair value on the date of grant and recognized over the employee service period on the straight-line recognition method for awards expected to vest. The fair value of all stock-based payment plans—stock option plans, stock-settled stock appreciation rights, and performance-based restricted stock units as well as our Employee Stock Purchase Plan—is determined by the number of awards granted and the price of our common stock. The fair value of each award is estimated on the date of grant using a binomial option-pricing model. The binomial model considers a range of assumptions related to volatility, risk-free interest rate and employee exercise behavior. Expected volatilities utilized in the binomial model are based on historical volatility of our share prices and other factors. Similarly, the dividend yield is based on historical experience and expected future changes. The binomial model also incorporates exercise and forfeiture assumptions based on an analysis of historical data. The expected life of the stock-based awards is derived from the output of the binomial model and represents the period of time that awards granted are expected to be outstanding.
Defined benefit pension plans [Policy Text Block]	Defined Benefit Pension Plans --We record annual expenses relating to our defined benefit pension plans based on calculations that include various actuarial assumptions, including discount rates and expected long-term rates of return on plan assets. Actuarial assumptions are reviewed annually with modifications made to the assumptions, if necessary, based on current rates and trends. The effects of the actuarial gains or losses are amortized over future service periods. The funded status (that is, the projected benefit obligation less the fair value of plan assets) for each plan is reported in our balance sheet B. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) using a December 31 measurement date. Changes in the funded status of the plans are recognized in the year in which the changes occur and reported in comprehensive income (loss).
Income taxes [Policy Text Block]	Income Taxes --We compute taxes on income in accordance with the tax rules and regulations where the income is earned. The income tax rates imposed by these taxing authorities vary. Taxable income may differ from pretax income for financial reporting purposes. We compute and recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of our assets and liabilities. Changes in tax rates and laws are reflected in income in the period when such changes are enacted. We account for uncertain tax positions by recognizing the financial statement effects of a tax position only when, based upon the technical merits, it is more-likely-than-not that the position will be sustained upon examination.
Earnings per share [Policy Text Block]	Earnings Per Share --Basic earnings per share is determined by dividing the income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share is computed similarly to basic earnings per share except that the weighted-average number of shares is increased to include the effect of stock awards that were granted and outstanding during the period.
Revenue recognition [Policy Text Block]	Revenue Recognition --Revenues from residential and commercial services are recognized as the services are provided and amounts are determined to be collectible. Revenues from contractual arrangements, primarily with utility services customers, are recognized based on costs incurred to total estimated contract costs. During the performance of such contracts, estimated final contract prices and costs are periodically reviewed and revisions are made, as required, to the revenue recognized. On cost-plus-fee contracts, revenue is recognized to the extent of costs incurred plus a proportionate amount of fees earned, and on time-and-material contracts, revenue is recognized to the extent of billable rates times hours worked, plus material and other reimbursable costs incurred. Revisions arise in the normal course of providing services to utility services customers and generally relate to changes in contract specifications and cost allowability. Such revisions are recorded when realization is probable and can be reliably estimated.
Concentration of credit risk [Policy Text Block]	Concentration of Credit Risk --Credit risk represents the accounting loss that would be recognized if the counterparties failed to perform as contracted. The principal financial instruments subject to credit risk follow: Cash --To limit our exposure, we transact our business and maintain banking relationships with high credit-quality financial institutions. Accounts Receivable --Our residential and commercial customers are located geographically throughout the United States and Canada and, as to commercial customers, within differing industries; thus, minimizing credit risk. The credit exposure of utility services customers is directly affected by conditions within the utility industries as well as the financial condition of individual customers. One utility customer approximated 11% of revenues during 2015 , 8% in 2014 and 9% in 2013 . To reduce credit risk, we evaluate the credit of customers, but generally do not require advance payments or collateral. Exposure to losses on receivables is principally dependent on each customer’s financial condition.
Currency translation adjustments [Policy Text Block]
Interst rate risk management [Policy Text Block]	Interest Rate Risk Management --We have entered into interest rate contracts, from time-to-time, with the objective of altering interest rate exposures related to variable rate debt. In the interest rate contracts, we have agreed with a financial institution to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between fixed and floating interest amounts calculated on an agreed-upon notional principal amount.
Comprehensive income (loss) [Policy Text Block]	Comprehensive Income (Loss) --Comprehensive income (loss) includes net income and other comprehensive income or loss. Other comprehensive income (loss) refers to revenues, expenses, gains and losses that under U.S. GAAP are included in comprehensive income but are excluded from net income as these amounts are recorded directly as an adjustment to shareholders’ equity, net of tax.
Business combinations policy [Policy Text Block]	The net assets of the businesses acquired are accounted for under the acquisition method and were recorded at their fair values at the dates of acquisition.
Commitments and contingencies [Policy Text Block]	We are party to a number of lawsuits, threatened lawsuits and other claims arising out of the normal course of business. Management is of the opinion that liabilities which may result are adequately covered by insurance, or reflected in the self-insurance accruals, and would not be material in relation to the financial position or results of operations.

Summary of Significant Accoun32

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment [Table Text Block]	Depreciation is computed for financial reporting purposes by the straight-line method for land improvements, building and leasehold improvements and by the declining-balance method for equipment, based on the estimated useful lives of the assets, as follows: Land improvements 5 to 20 years Buildings 5 to 20 years Equipment 3 to 10 years Leasehold improvements Shorter of lease term or estimated useful life; ranging from 5-to-20 years

Accounts Receivable, Net and 33

Accounts Receivable, Net and Supplemental Balance Sheet Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounts Receivable, Net and Supplemental Balance Sheet Information [Abstract]
Schedule of accounts receivable [Table Text Block]	Accounts receivable, net, consisted of the following: December 31, 2015 2014 Accounts receivable $ 104,567 $ 98,657 Receivables under contractual arrangements 19,142 15,362 123,709 114,019 Less allowances for doubtful accounts 3,708 2,421 $ 120,001 $ 111,598
Schedule of other current assets [Table Text Block]	The following items comprise the amounts included in the balance sheets: December 31, Other current assets 2015 2014 Refundable income taxes $ 2,952 $ 2,122 Note receivable — 4,319 Other 918 759 Total $ 3,870 $ 7,200
Schedule of other assets, noncurrent [Table Text Block]	December 31, Other assets, noncurrent 2015 2014 Assets invested for self-insurance $ 17,167 $ 13,684 Investment--cost-method affiliate 1,172 1,168 Deferred income taxes 11,521 10,632 Other 2,560 2,305 Total $ 32,420 $ 27,789
Schedule of accrued expenses [Table Text Block]	December 31, Accrued expenses 2015 2014 Employee compensation $ 18,176 $ 19,195 Accrued compensated absences 8,607 8,034 Self-insured medical claims 2,347 2,722 Customer advances, deposits 2,564 2,030 Taxes, other than income 3,517 2,054 Other 935 890 Total $ 36,146 $ 34,925
Schedule of other liabilities, noncurrent [Table Text Block]	December 31, Other liabilities, noncurrent 2015 2014 Pension and retirement plans $ 14,296 $ 16,311 Other 3,382 2,657 Total $ 17,678 $ 18,968

Supplemental Operating Inform34

Supplemental Operating Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract]
Schedule of other nonoperating income (Expense) [Table Text Block]	Other nonoperating (expense) income, net, included in the statements of operations follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Other nonoperating expense, net $ (5,744 ) $ (3,050 ) $ (2,827 )

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform35

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Supplemental cash flow informations [Table Text Block]	Supplemental cash flow information follows: Year Ended December 31, Supplemental cash flow information 2015 2014 2013 Interest paid $ 3,386 $ 2,948 $ 2,732 Income taxes paid, net 16,679 13,577 20,133 Noncash transactions: Debt issued for purchases of businesses $ 1,500 $ 2,080 $ 30 Detail of acquisitions: Assets acquired: Receivables $ — $ 1,852 $ — Operating supplies — 61 — Prepaid expense — 213 — Equipment 1,264 1,726 — Deposits and other 11 558 — Intangibles 2,874 8,443 110 Liabilities assumed — (1,078 ) — Debt issued for purchases of businesses (1,500 ) (2,080 ) (30 ) Cash paid $ 2,649 $ 9,695 $ 80

Identified Intangible Assets 36

Identified Intangible Assets and Goodwill, Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of acquired finite-Llved intangible assets by major class [Table Text Block]	The carrying amount of the identified intangibles and goodwill acquired in connection with our investments in businesses were as follows: Weighted-Average Amortization Period (Years) December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Amortized intangible assets: Customer lists/relationships 2.5 years $ 16,805 $ 13,764 $ 16,076 $ 12,560 Employment-related 2.5 years 6,811 6,008 7,026 5,776 Tradenames 2.8 years 5,502 4,539 5,286 4,153 Total 29,118 $ 24,311 28,388 $ 22,489 Less accumulated amortization 24,311 22,489 Identified intangibles, net 4,807 5,899 Unamortized intangible assets: Goodwill Not amortized 29,474 28,164 $ 34,281 $ 34,063
Schedule of goodwill [Table Text Block]	The changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill, by segment, for the year ended December 31, 2015 follow: Balance at January 1, 2015 Acquisitions Translation and Other Adjustments Balance at December 31, 2015 Utility $ 3,424 $ — $ — $ 3,424 Residential and Commercial 24,740 1,410 (100 ) 26,050 Total $ 28,164 $ 1,410 $ (100 ) $ 29,474
Schedule of finite-lived intangible assets, future amortization expense [Table Text Block]	Estimated future aggregate amortization expense of intangible assets -- The estimated aggregate amortization expense of intangible assets, as of December 31, 2015 , in each of the next five years follows: Estimated Future Amortization Expense Year ending December 31, 2016 $ 1,781 2017 1,322 2018 585 2019 466 2020 411

Short-Term and Long-Term Debt (

Short-Term and Long-Term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of short-term debt [Table Text Block]	Short-term debt consisted of the following: December 31, 2015 2014 Current portion of long-term debt $ 15,501 $ 8,281
Schedule of long-term debt instruments [Table Text Block]	Long-term debt consisted of the following: December 31, 2015 2014 Revolving credit facility Swing-line borrowings $ 2,500 $ 7,500 LIBOR borrowings 52,000 37,000 54,500 44,500 Senior unsecured notes 30,000 30,000 Term loans 16,105 15,087 100,605 89,587 Less current portion 15,501 8,281 $ 85,104 $ 81,306

Self-Insurance Accruals (Tables

Self-Insurance Accruals (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Self-Insurance Accruals [Abstract]
Schedule of self-insurance accruals [Table Text Block]	Components of our self-insurance accruals for workers’ compensation, vehicle liability and general liability follow: December 31, 2015 2014 Workers' compensation $ 35,304 $ 32,982 Present value discount 1,937 1,658 33,367 31,324 Vehicle liability 5,880 4,940 General liability 21,092 22,629 Total 60,339 58,893 Less current portion 22,553 23,007 Noncurrent portion $ 37,786 $ 35,886
Schedule of changes in self-insurance accruals [Table Text Block]	The changes in our self-insurance accruals and the discount rate used for the workers’ compensation accrual are summarized in the table below. December 31, 2015 2014 Balance, beginning of year $ 58,893 $ 56,712 Provision for claims 33,499 30,340 Payment of claims 32,053 28,159 Balance, end of year $ 60,339 $ 58,893 Workers' compensation discount rate 2.20 % 2.00 %

Operating Lease Obligations (Ta

Operating Lease Obligations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Leases, Operating [Abstract]
Schedule of future minimum rental payments for operating leases [Table Text Block]	Minimum rental commitments under noncancelable operating leases, as of December 31, 2015 , were as follows: Minimum lease obligations Operating Lease Obligations Year ending December 31, 2016 $ 6,266 2017 4,302 2018 3,348 2019 2,463 2020 1,980 2021 and after 7,548 Total minimum lease payments $ 25,907

Common Shares and Preferred S40

Common Shares and Preferred Shares (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of stock by class [Table Text Block]	Common Shares Outstanding -- The table below reconciles the activity of the common shares outstanding: December 31, 2015 2014 Shares outstanding, beginning of year 13,164,933 13,438,611 Shares purchased (823,827 ) (727,436 ) Shares sold 287,875 287,536 Stock subscription offering, employee cash purchases 43,071 49,940 Options exercised 71,262 116,282 (421,619 ) (273,678 ) Shares outstanding, end of year 12,743,314 13,164,933

Accumulated Other Comprehensi41

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Table Text Block]	The following summarizes the components of other comprehensive income (loss) accumulated in shareholders’ equity: Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Defined Benefit Pension Plans Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) Balance at January 1, 2013 $ 3,511 $ (10,626 ) $ (7,115 ) Unrealized gains (losses) (1,864 ) — (1,864 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) — 1,401 1,401 Tax effect — (532 ) (532 ) Unrecognized amounts from defined benefit pension plans — 6,306 6,306 Tax effect — (2,589 ) (2,589 ) Net of tax amount (1,864 ) 4,586 2,722 Balance at December 31, 2013 $ 1,647 $ (6,040 ) $ (4,393 ) Unrealized gains (losses) (2,798 ) — (2,798 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) — 2,786 2,786 Tax effect — (1,095 ) (1,095 ) Unrecognized amounts from defined benefit pension plans — (9,923 ) (9,923 ) Tax effect — 3,900 3,900 Net of tax amount (2,798 ) (4,332 ) (7,130 ) Balance at December 31, 2014 $ (1,151 ) $ (10,372 ) $ (11,523 ) Unrealized gains (losses) (5,093 ) — (5,093 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) — 4,774 4,774 Tax effect — (1,878 ) (1,878 ) Unrecognized amounts from defined benefit pension plans — 538 538 Tax effect — (212 ) (212 ) Net of tax amount (5,093 ) 3,222 (1,871 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 $ (6,244 ) $ (7,150 ) $ (13,394 )

Stock-Based Compensation (Table

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Disclosure of share-based compensation arrangements by share-based payment award [Table Text Block]	Stock-based compensation expense under all share-based payment plans—our Employee Stock Purchase Plan, stock option plans, stock-settled stock appreciation rights, and performance-based restricted stock units—included in the results of operations follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Compensation expense, all share-based payment plans $ 2,327 $ 1,860 $ 1,411 Income tax benefit 694 549 348
Schedule of share-based compensation, employee stock purchase plan, activity [Table Text Block]	Purchases under the plan, at 85% of the fair market value of the common shares, have been as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Number of employees participating 1,750 1,684 1,500 Shares purchased during the year 125,779 115,029 118,444 Weighted-average per share purchase price paid $ 26.22 $ 23.07 $ 20.01 Cumulative shares purchased since 1982 8,877,034 8,751,255 8,636,226
Schedule of share-based compensation, stock-settled stock appreciation rights award activity [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the SSARs as of December 31, 2015 : Stock-Settled Stock Appreciation Rights Number of Rights Weighted- Average Award Date Value Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life Unrecognized Compensation Cost Aggregate Intrinsic Value Unvested, January 1, 2015 303,271 $ 3.84 Granted 133,550 5.78 Forfeited — — Vested (106,114 ) 3.76 Unvested, December 31, 2015 330,707 $ 4.65 2.9 years $ 1,149 $ 10,417 Employee SSARs 321,708 $ 4.71 3.0 years $ 1,137 $ 10,134 Nonemployee Director SSARs 8,999 $ 2.23 0.9 years $ 12 $ 283
Schedule of share-based compensation, performance-based restricted stock units award activity [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units as of December 31, 2015 : Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units Number of Stock Units Weighted- Average Grant Date Value Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life Unrecognized Compensation Cost Aggregate Intrinsic Value Unvested, January 1, 2015 117,709 $ 21.14 Granted 42,152 29.14 Forfeited — — Vested (17,876 ) 17.44 Unvested, December 31, 2015 141,985 $ 23.98 2.3 years $ 1,909 $ 4,472 Employee PRSUs 121,435 $ 23.75 2.6 years $ 1,662 $ 3,825 Nonemployee Director PRSUs 20,550 $ 25.32 1.3 years $ 247 $ 647
Schedule of share-based payment award, stock options, valuation assumptions [Table Text Block]	The fair values of stock-based awards granted were estimated at the dates of grant with the following weighted-average assumptions: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Volatility rate 10.9 % 11.2 % 11.3 % Risk-free interest rate 2.1 % 2.6 % 2.1 % Expected dividend yield .7 % 1.1 % 1.5 % Expected life of awards (years) 9.3 9.4 9.4
Schedule of share-based compensation, stock options, activity [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes activity under the stock option plans for the year ended December 31, 2015 : Stock Options Number of Options Outstanding Weighted- Average Exercise Price Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life Unrecognized Compensation Cost Aggregate Intrinsic Value Outstanding, January 1, 2015 770,131 $ 19.33 Granted 148,000 30.10 Exercised (66,687 ) 13.13 Forfeited (34,700 ) 24.27 Outstanding, December 31, 2015 816,744 $ 21.58 6.2 years $ 1,832 $ 8,102 Exercisable, December 31, 2015 416,844 $ 16.68 4.0 years $ 6,178
Schedule of share-based compensation, shares authorized under stock option plans, by exercise price range [Table Text Block]	Information regarding the stock options outstanding at December 31, 2015 is summarized below: Stock Options Exercise Price Number Outstanding Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life Weighted- Average Exercise Price Number Exercisable Weighted- Average Exercise Price Employee options: $ 11.25 121,938 0.4 years $ 11.25 121,938 $ 11.25 16.00 100,761 3.8 years 16.00 100,761 16.00 16.60 96,095 4.8 years 16.60 96,095 16.60 23.20 186,550 7.5 years 23.20 67,450 23.20 26.40 177,400 8.5 years 26.40 30,600 26.40 30.10 134,000 9.5 years 30.10 — 30.10 816,744 6.2 years $ 21.58 416,844 $ 16.68

Defined Benefit Pension Plans (

Defined Benefit Pension Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of changes in projected benefit obligations [Table Text Block]	The change in benefit obligations and the fair value of plans assets follows: December 31, 2015 2014 Change in benefit obligation Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 35,876 $ 31,888 Service cost 35 51 Interest cost 1,486 1,618 Actuarial (gains)/losses (2,445 ) 4,838 New longevity assumptions (340 ) 3,229 Curtailments (404 ) — Settlements (6,186 ) (4,319 ) Benefits paid (794 ) (1,429 ) Projected benefit obligation at end of year $ 27,228 $ 35,876 Accumulated benefit obligation at end of year $ 27,228 $ 35,475
Schedule of changes in fair value of plan sssets [Table Text Block]	December 31, 2015 2014 Change in fair value of plan assets Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ 21,567 $ 25,754 Actual return on plan assets (135 ) 540 Plan expenses, including PBGC premiums (536 ) (404 ) Employer contributions 1,300 1,425 Settlements (6,186 ) (4,319 ) Benefits paid (794 ) (1,429 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year $ 15,216 $ 21,567
Schedule of net funded status [Table Text Block]	December 31, 2015 2014 Funded status of the plans Fair value of plan assets $ 15,216 $ 21,567 Projected benefit obligation 27,228 35,876 Funded status of the plans $ (12,012 ) $ (14,309 )
Schedule of amounts recognized in balance sheet [Table Text Block]	December 31, 2015 2014 Amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets Current liability $ (499 ) $ (38 ) Noncurrent liability (11,513 ) (14,271 ) Funded status of the plans $ (12,012 ) $ (14,309 )
Schedule of amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income [Table Text Block]	Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), related to our defined benefit pension plans follow: At December 31, 2015 At December 31, 2014 Pretax Net of Tax Pretax Net of Tax Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive income Unrecognized net actuarial loss $ 11,836 $ 7,150 $ 17,093 $ 10,339 Unrecognized prior service cost — — 55 33 $ 11,836 $ 7,150 $ 17,148 $ 10,372
Schedule of amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to be recognized over next fiscal year [Table Text Block]	The total amortization associated with these amounts that is expected to be recognized in net periodic benefit expense for 2016 follows: P. Defined Benefit Pension Plans (continued) Year ending December 31, 2016 Pretax Net of Tax Amortization of Costs Expected to be Recognized Next Year Unrecognized net actuarial loss $ 973 $ 584 $ 973 $ 584
Schedule of accumulated benefit obligations in excess of fair value of plan assets [Table Text Block]	The aggregate projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for plans in which the fair value of plan assets is less than either the projected benefit obligation or accumulated benefit obligation follow: December 31, 2015 2014 For pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets Projected benefit obligation $ 27,228 $ 35,876 Accumulated benefit obligation 27,228 35,475 Fair value of plan assets 15,216 21,567
Schedule of assumptions used [Table Text Block]	The actuarial assumptions follow. The discount rates were used to measure the year-end benefit obligation and compute pension expense for the subsequent year. December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Actuarial assumptions Discount rate 4.70 % 4.30 % 5.20 % Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets 7.25 7.50 7.75
Components of pension expense (income) [Table Text Block]	Net periodic benefit expense (income) associated with the defined benefit pension plans included the following components: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Components of pension expense (income) Service costs--increase in benefit obligation earned $ 35 $ 51 $ 222 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 1,486 1,618 1,515 Expected return on plan assets (1,576 ) (1,993 ) (1,760 ) Curtailment loss 49 — — Settlement loss 2,915 2,065 — Amortization of net actuarial loss 1,400 708 1,388 Amortization of prior service cost 6 14 14 Net pension expense of defined benefit pension plans $ 4,315 $ 2,463 $ 1,379
Schedule of allocation of plan assets [Table Text Block]	The fair values of our pension plan assets at December 31, 2015 by asset category, using the three-level hierarchy of fair value inputs, were as follows: Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2015 Using: Description Total Carrying Value at December 31, 2015 Quoted prices in active markets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Asset Category Money market funds $ 2,794 $ — $ 2,794 $ — U.S. large-cap equities Growth 1,869 1,869 — — Value 1,492 1,492 — — U.S. small/mid-cap equities Growth 781 781 — — Value 1,003 1,003 — — International equities Growth 1,270 1,270 — — Value 1,183 1,183 — — Fixed income 3,035 3,035 — — Multiclass world-allocation mutual funds 1,789 1,789 — — $ 15,216 $ 12,422 $ 2,794 $ — P. Defined Benefit Pension Plans (continued) The fair values of our pension plan assets at December 31, 2014 by asset category, using the three-level hierarchy of fair value inputs, were as follows: Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2014 Using: Description Total Carrying Value at December 31, 2014 Quoted prices in active markets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Asset Category Money market funds $ 2,442 $ — $ 2,442 $ — U.S. large-cap equities Growth 2,625 2,625 — — Value 2,088 2,088 — — U.S. small/mid-cap equities Growth 1,623 1,623 — — Value 1,844 1,844 — — International equities Growth 2,128 2,128 — — Value 2,124 2,124 — — Fixed income 3,747 3,747 — — Multiclass world-allocation mutual funds 2,946 2,946 — — $ 21,567 $ 19,125 $ 2,442 $ —
Schedule of expected benefit payments [Table Text Block]	The benefits, as of December 31, 2015 , expected to be paid to defined-benefit plan participants in each of the next five years, and in the aggregate for the five years thereafter, follow: Participants Benefits Estimated future payments Year ending December 31, 2016 $ 650 2017 904 2018 1,022 2019 1,139 2020 1,260 Years 2021 to 2025 7,593
Schedule of multiemployer plans [Table Text Block]	Our participation in the multiemployer defined benefit pension plans is summarized in the table below. The “EIN/Pension Plan Number” column provides the Employer Identification Number (“EIN”) and the three-digit plan number. The most recent Pension Protection Act of 2006 (the “PPA”) zone status is from the Form 5500, “Annual Return/Report of Employee Benefit Plan,” filed by the plan and certified by the plan's actuary. The PPA zone status describes plans that are underfunded. Among other factors, plans in the “critical” red zone are generally less than 65% funded; plans in the “endangered” yellow zone are less than 80% funded; and, plans in the “safe” green zone are at least 80% funded. Pension Fund EIN/Pension Plan Number Pension Protection Act Zone Status FIP/RP Status Pending Implemented Davey Tree Contributions Surcharge Imposed Expiration Dates of Bargaining Agreement 2015 2014 2015 2014 2013 National Electric Benefit Fund 53-0181657/001 Green Green No $ 774 $ 743 $ 755 No Ranging from June 30, 2017 to December 31, 2018 Eighth District Electrical Pension Fund 84-6100393/001 Green Green No 119 105 100 No December 31, 2017 $ 893 $ 848 $ 855

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of income before income tax, domestic and foreign [Table Text Block]	Income before income taxes was attributable to the following sources: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 United States $ 32,807 $ 30,380 $ 29,203 Canada 2,451 7,920 6,362 Total $ 35,258 $ 38,300 $ 35,565
Schedule of components of income tax expense (benefit) [Table Text Block]	The provision for income taxes follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Currently payable: Federal $ 13,337 $ 13,159 $ 7,089 State 2,487 2,524 2,183 Canadian 611 2,127 1,724 Total current 16,435 17,810 10,996 Deferred taxes (2,975 ) (2,679 ) 1,716 Total taxes on income $ 13,460 $ 15,131 $ 12,712
Schedule of effective income tax rate reconciliation [Table Text Block]	A reconciliation of the expected statutory U.S. federal rate to our actual effective income tax rate follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Statutory U.S. federal tax rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % State income taxes, net of federal benefit 3.7 3.9 3.6 Effect of Canadian income taxes (.5 ) (1.7 ) (1.6 ) Nondeductible expenses 2.3 1.9 1.9 ESOP dividend deduction (.8 ) (.7 ) (.8 ) Uncertain tax adjustments and audit settlement 1.5 1.6 (2.2 ) Valuation allowance (2.2 ) — — All other, net (.8 ) (.5 ) (.2 ) Effective income tax rate 38.2 % 39.5 % 35.7 %
Schedule of prior year deferred tax assets and liabilities [Table Text Block]	Current deferrred income tax assets of $8,927 as of December 31, 2014 have been reclassified and presented as an increase to net deferred tax assets, noncurrent, in the consolidated balance sheet. The impact of adopting the standard on the December 31, 2014 consolidated balance sheet follows. Q. Income Taxes (continued) Previously Reported Reclassified As Adopted Consolidated Balance Sheet, as of December 31, 2014 Deferred income tax assets--current $ 12,087 $ (12,087 ) $ — Deferred income tax assets--noncurrent 22,399 12,087 34,486 Deferred income tax liability--current 3,160 (3,160 ) — Deferred income tax liabilities--noncurrent 20,694 3,160 23,854 $ 10,632
Deferred tax assets and liabilities, noncurrent [Table Text Block]	Significant components of our noncurrent net deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, were as follows: December 31, 2015 2014 Deferred tax assets: Self-insurance accruals $ 21,136 $ 20,661 Accrued compensated absences 3,189 3,090 Accrued expenses and other liabilities 1,255 1,388 Accrued stock compensation 2,144 1,642 Defined benefit pension plans 3,721 4,573 Foreign tax credit carryforward 680 768 Other future deductible amounts, net 4,354 3,132 36,479 35,254 Less deferred tax asset valuation allowance — 768 36,479 34,486 Deferred tax liabilities: Intangibles 150 269 Prepaid expenses 3,138 3,160 Property and equipment 21,670 20,425 24,958 23,854 Net deferred tax assets--noncurrent $ 11,521 $ 10,632
Summary of income tax contingencies [Table Text Block]	The balance of unrecognized benefits and the amount of related interest and penalties at December 31, were as follows: December 31, 2015 2014 Unrecognized tax benefits $ 2,557 $ 1,949 Portion, if recognized, would reduce tax expense and effective tax rate 1,981 1,512 Accrued interest on unrecognized tax benefits 115 77 Accrued penalties on unrecognized benefits — —
Schedule of unrecognized tax benefits roll forward [Table Text Block]	The changes in our unrecognized tax benefits are summarized in the table below: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Balance, beginning of year $ 1,949 $ 1,221 $ 2,638 Additions based on tax positions related to the current year 642 587 370 Additions for tax positions of prior years 52 234 133 Reductions for tax positions of prior years (63 ) (79 ) (1,155 ) Reductions related to settlements with taxing authorities — — (460 ) Lapses in statutes of limitations (23 ) (14 ) (305 ) Balance, end of year $ 2,557 $ 1,949 $ 1,221

Earnings Per Share Information

Earnings Per Share Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of earnings per share calculation [Table Text Block]	Earnings per share is computed as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Income available to common shareholders: Net income $ 21,798 $ 23,169 $ 22,853 Weighted-average shares: Basic: Outstanding 13,029,368 13,337,198 13,639,356 Partially-paid share subscriptions 436,081 484,025 531,325 Basic weighted-average shares 13,465,449 13,821,223 14,170,681 Diluted: Basic from above 13,465,449 13,821,223 14,170,681 Incremental shares from assumed: Exercise of stock subscription purchase rights 67,714 54,824 34,273 Exercise of stock options and awards 444,127 362,229 397,478 Diluted weighted-average shares 13,977,290 14,238,276 14,602,432 Share data: Earnings per share--basic $ 1.62 $ 1.68 $ 1.61 Earnings per share--diluted $ 1.56 $ 1.63 $ 1.57

Operations by Business Segmen46

Operations by Business Segment and Geographic Information Operations by business segment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of segment reporting information, by segment [Table Text Block]	Information on reportable segments and reconciliation to the consolidated financial statements follows: Utility Services Residential Commercial Services All Other Reconciling Adjustments Consolidated Fiscal Year 2015 Revenues $ 433,117 $ 386,327 $ 2,460 $ — $ 821,904 Income (loss) from operations 24,273 35,271 (5,368 ) (10,068 ) (a) 44,108 Interest expense (3,355 ) (3,355 ) Interest income 249 249 Other income (expense), net (5,744 ) (5,744 ) Income before income taxes $ 35,258 Depreciation $ 25,466 $ 15,592 $ — $ 3,619 (b) $ 44,677 Amortization 144 2,062 — 8 2,214 Capital expenditures 26,853 22,853 — 6,341 56,047 Segment assets, total 145,306 162,679 — 86,072 (c) 394,057 Fiscal Year 2014 Revenues $ 404,519 $ 386,274 $ (882 ) $ — $ 789,911 Income (loss) from operations 21,382 37,232 (6,037 ) (8,574 ) (a) 44,003 Interest expense (2,948 ) (2,948 ) Interest income 295 295 Other income (expense), net (3,050 ) (3,050 ) Income before income taxes $ 38,300 Depreciation $ 23,225 $ 14,544 $ — $ 3,201 (b) $ 40,970 Amortization 174 1,896 — — 2,070 Capital expenditures 25,994 17,490 — 12,247 55,731 Segment assets, total 150,002 144,413 — 86,589 (c) 381,004 Fiscal Year 2013 Revenues $ 376,520 $ 334,878 $ 2,450 $ — $ 713,848 Income (loss) from operations 16,070 33,566 (2,869 ) (5,978 ) (a) 40,789 Interest expense (2,708 ) (2,708 ) Interest income 311 311 Other income (expense), net (2,827 ) (2,827 ) Income before income taxes $ 35,565 Depreciation $ 22,261 $ 13,286 $ — $ 2,684 (b) $ 38,231 Amortization 359 1,440 — 181 1,980 Capital expenditures 21,642 17,577 — 5,986 45,205 Segment assets, total 145,021 122,542 — 65,815 (c) 333,378
Schedule of revenue from external customers attributed to foreign countries by geographic area [Table Text Block]	Geographic Information -- The following presents revenues and long-lived assets by geographic territory: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Revenues United States $ 749,896 $ 706,145 $ 637,524 Canada 72,008 83,766 76,324 $ 821,904 $ 789,911 $ 713,848 December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Long-lived assets, net United States $ 213,794 $ 196,116 $ 166,598 Canada 19,329 17,692 14,764 $ 233,123 $ 213,808 $ 181,362

Fair Value Measurements and F47

Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value, assets measured on recurring basis [Table Text Block]	Our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , were as follows: Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2015 Using: Total Carrying Value at Quoted prices in active markets Significant other observable inputs Significant unobservable inputs Description December 31, 2015 (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Assets: Assets invested for self-insurance, classified as other assets, noncurrent $ 17,167 $ 17,167 $ — $ — Defined benefit pension plan assets 15,216 12,422 2,794 — Liabilities: Deferred compensation $ 1,574 $ — $ 1,574 $ — Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2014 Using: Total Carrying Value at Quoted prices in active markets Significant other observable inputs Significant unobservable inputs Description December 31, 2014 (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Assets: Assets invested for self-insurance, classified as other assets, noncurrent $ 13,684 $ 13,684 $ — $ — Defined benefit pension plan assets 21,567 19,125 2,442 — Liabilities: Deferred compensation $ 1,423 $ — $ 1,423 $ —
Fair value, by balance sheet grouping [Table Text Block]	Financial instruments classified as noncurrent liabilities and their carrying values and fair values were as follows: December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Revolving credit facility, noncurrent $ 54,500 $ 54,500 44,500 44,500 Senior unsecured notes 24,000 24,837 30,000 30,688 Term loans, noncurrent 6,604 7,008 6,806 7,195 Total $ 85,104 $ 86,345 $ 81,306 $ 82,383

Quarterly Results of Operatio48

Quarterly Results of Operations Quarterly Results of Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]	The following is a summary of the results of operations for each quarter of 2015 and 2014 . Fiscal 2015, Three Months Ended Apr 4 July 4 Oct 3 Dec 31 Revenues $ 174,292 $ 224,773 $ 224,981 $ 197,858 Gross profit (revenues less costs and expenses, operating) 54,434 87,432 81,808 69,331 Income (loss) from operations (3,985 ) 27,796 16,177 4,120 Net income (loss) (3,528 ) 15,932 8,174 1,220 Net income (loss) per share -- Basic $ (.27 ) $ 1.21 $ .58 $ .10 Net income (loss) per share -- Diluted $ (.27 ) $ 1.17 $ .55 $ .11 ESOT Valuation per share $ 30.10 $ 30.10 $ 31.50 $ 32.70 Fiscal 2014, Three Months Ended Mar 29 Jun 29 Sept 27 Dec 31 Revenues $ 157,387 $ 213,183 $ 216,604 $ 202,737 Gross profit (revenues less costs and expenses, operating) 48,156 82,900 77,613 72,565 Income (loss) from operations (4,725 ) 23,815 17,144 7,769 Net income (loss) (6,180 ) 14,046 9,657 5,646 Net income (loss) per share -- Basic $ (.29 ) $ 1.04 $ .72 $ .21 Net income (loss) per share -- Diluted $ (.29 ) $ 1.01 $ .69 $ .22 ESOT Valuation per share $ 26.40 $ 26.40 $ 27.80 $ 30.10 Fourth quarters 2015 and 2014 include a decrease in casualty insurance expense that had the effect of increasing the fourth quarter gross profit for 2015 and 2014 by approximately $2,589 and $3,875, respectively.

Our Business Reportable segment

Our Business Reportable segments (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Number of reportable segments	2

Summary of Significant Accoun50

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Goodwill, impairment loss	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Intangible assets, estimated useful life	1 year
Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Intangible assets, estimated useful life	10 years
Land improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, estimated useful lives	P5Y
Land improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, estimated useful lives	P20Y
Buildings [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, estimated useful lives	P5Y
Buildings [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, estimated useful lives	P20Y
Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, estimated useful lives	P3Y
Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, estimated useful lives	P10Y
Leasehold improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, estimated useful lives	P5Y
Leasehold improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, estimated useful lives	P20Y

Summary of Significant Accoun51

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Concentration of Risk (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]
Concentration risk, percentage	11.00%	8.00%	9.00%

Business Combinations (Details)

Business Combinations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Investments in businesses	$ 4,149	$ 12,853	$ 110
Liabilities assumed	0	1,078	0
Debt issued	1,500	2,080	30
Goodwill acquired during period	1,410	4,624	0
Goodwill acquired during period, tax deductible amount	$ 1,410	$ 4,624	$ 0

Accounts Receivable, Net and 53

Accounts Receivable, Net and Supplemental Balance Sheet Information Accounts Receivable, Net and Supplemental Balance Sheet Information(Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounts receivable, net
Accounts receivable	$ 104,567	$ 98,657
Receivables under contractual arrangements	19,142	15,362
Accounts receivable, gross, current	123,709	114,019
Less allowances for doubtful accounts	3,708	2,421
Accounts receivable, net	120,001	111,598
Other current assets
Refundable income taxes	2,952	2,122
Note receivable	0	4,319
Other	918	759
Other current assets, total	3,870	7,200
Other assets, noncurrent
Assets invested for self-insurance	17,167	13,684
Investment--cost-method affiliate	1,172	1,168
Deferred income taxes	11,521	10,632
Other	2,560	2,305
Other assets, noncurrent, total	32,420	27,789
Accrued expenses
Employee compensation	18,176	19,195
Accrued compensated absences	8,607	8,034
Self-insured medical claims	2,347	2,722
Customer advances, deposits	2,564	2,030
Taxes, other than income	3,517	2,054
Other	935	890
Accrued expenses, total	36,146	34,925
Other liabilities, noncurrent
Pension and retirement plans	14,296	16,311
Other	3,382	2,657
Other liabilities, noncurrent, total	$ 17,678	$ 18,968

Supplemental Operating Inform54

Supplemental Operating Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract]
Other nonoperating expense, net	$ (5,744)	$ (3,050)	$ (2,827)
Foreign currency loss	$ (854)	$ (235)	$ (146)

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform55

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplemental cash flow information
Interest paid	$ 3,386	$ 2,948	$ 2,732
Income taxes paid, net	16,679	13,577	20,133
Noncash transactions
Debt issued for purchases of businesses	(1,500)	(2,080)	(30)
Detail of acquisitions:
Receivables	0	1,852	0
Operating supplies	0	61	0
Prepaid expense	0	213	0
Equipment	1,264	1,726	0
Deposits and other	11	558	0
Intangibles	2,874	8,443	110
Liabilities assumed	0	1,078	0
Cash paid	$ 2,649	$ 9,695	$ 80

Identified Intangible Assets 56

Identified Intangible Assets and Goodwill, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Acquired finite-lived intangible assets [line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross	$ 29,118	$ 28,388
Accumulated amortization	24,311	22,489
Identified intangibles, net	4,807	5,899
Goodwill	29,474	28,164
Intangible assets and goodwill net	$ 34,281	34,063
Customer lists/relationships
Acquired finite-lived intangible assets [line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, remaining amortization period	2 years 6 months
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross	$ 16,805	16,076
Accumulated amortization	$ 13,764	12,560
Employment-related
Acquired finite-lived intangible assets [line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, remaining amortization period	2 years 6 months
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross	$ 6,811	7,026
Accumulated amortization	$ 6,008	5,776
Tradenames
Acquired finite-lived intangible assets [line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, remaining amortization period	2 years 9 months 18 days
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross	$ 5,502	5,286
Accumulated amortization	$ 4,539	$ 4,153

Identified Intangible Assets 57

Identified Intangible Assets and Goodwill, Net Schedule of Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, balance at January 1, 2015	$ 28,164
Goodwill, acquisitions	1,410	$ 4,624	$ 0
Goodwill, translation and other adjustments	(100)
Goodwill, balance at December 31, 2015	29,474	28,164
Utility
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, balance at January 1, 2015	3,424
Goodwill, acquisitions	0
Goodwill, translation and other adjustments	0
Goodwill, balance at December 31, 2015	3,424	3,424
Residential and Commercial
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, balance at January 1, 2015	24,740
Goodwill, acquisitions	1,410
Goodwill, translation and other adjustments	(100)
Goodwill, balance at December 31, 2015	$ 26,050	$ 24,740

Identified Intangible Assets 58

Identified Intangible Assets and Goodwill, Net (Future Amortization of Intangibles) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Year ending December 31, 2016	$ 1,781
2,017	1,322
2,018	585
2,019	466
2,020	$ 411

Short-Term and Long-Term Debt S

Short-Term and Long-Term Debt Short-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Current portion of long-term debt	$ 15,501	$ 8,281
Line of credit facility, remaining borrowing capacity	$ 7,081
Minimum [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Line of credit [Member]
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate	0.75%
Maximum [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Line of credit [Member]
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate	1.50%

Short-Term and Long-Term Debt L

Short-Term and Long-Term Debt Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Jul. 22, 2010
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility, noncurrent	$ 54,500	$ 44,500
Senior unsecured notes	30,000	30,000	$ 30,000
Term loans	16,105	15,087
Long-term debt	100,605	89,587
Less current portion	15,501	8,281
Long-term debt, excluding current maturities	85,104	81,306
Swing-line borrowings [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility, noncurrent	2,500	7,500
LIBOR borrowings [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility, noncurrent	$ 52,000	$ 37,000

Short-Term and Long-Term Debt N

Short-Term and Long-Term Debt Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Jul. 22, 2010USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior unsecured notes, interest rate	5.09%
Revolving credit facility, current borrowing capacity	$ 175,000
Revolving credit facility, noncurrent	54,500	$ 44,500
Swing line commitment	15,000
Revolving credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	210,000
Senior unsecured notes	$ 30,000	30,000	$ 30,000
Number of principal payments	5
Anniversary when principal payments begin	6
Unused commitments under credit facility	$ 63,153
Committed under credit facility	7,081
Revolving credit facility borrowings	54,500	$ 44,500
Letters of credit outstanding	$ 59,350
Term loans, weighted average interest rate	3.55%	3.03%
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2,016	$ 15,501
2,017	7,434
2,018	61,050
2,019	6,159
2,020	$ 6,169
Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, commitment fee percentage	0.10%
Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility, noncurrent	$ 100,000
Revolving credit facility borrowings	$ 100,000
Line of credit facility, commitment fee percentage	0.25%
Line of credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Committed under credit facility	$ 111,847
Previous agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility, current borrowing capacity	140,000
Revolving credit facility, noncurrent	100,000
Revolving credit facility borrowings	100,000
Letter of credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Letters of credit outstanding	$ 57,347
Base rate [Member] | Line of credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, variable rate, base rate calculation	0.50%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Line of credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, variable rate, base rate calculation	1.50%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Line of credit [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding borrowings interest rate margin adjustment range	0.75%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Line of credit [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding borrowings interest rate margin adjustment range	1.50%

Self-Insurance Accruals (Detail

Self-Insurance Accruals (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Self-Insurance Accruals [Abstract]
Workers' compensation			$ 35,304	$ 32,982
Present value discount			1,937	1,658
Workers' compensation, net of discount			33,367	31,324
Vehicle liability			5,880	4,940
General liability			21,092	22,629
Total	$ 58,893	$ 56,712	60,339	58,893
Less current portion			22,553	23,007
Noncurrent portion			$ 37,786	$ 35,886
Loss Contingency Accrual [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	58,893	56,712
Provision for claims	33,499	30,340
Payment of claims	32,053	28,159
Balance, end of year	$ 60,339	$ 58,893
Workers' compensation discount rate	2.20%	2.00%

Operating Lease Obligations (De

Operating Lease Obligations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Leases, Operating [Abstract]
Operating leases, maximum lease terms	5 years
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Year ending December 31, 2016	$ 6,266
2,017	4,302
2,018	3,348
2,019	2,463
2,020	1,980
2021 and after	7,548
Total minimum lease payments	25,907
Operating leases, rent expense	$ 7,398	$ 6,554	$ 6,167

Common Shares and Preferred S64

Common Shares and Preferred Shares Common shares outstanding (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Stock subscription offering, number of shares subscribed	637,714
Preferred shares
Preferred stock, shares authorized	4,000,000
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0
Preferred stock, shares issued	0
Common Stock, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract]
Common stock, shares authorized	48,000,000	24,000,000
Common stock, par value	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares issued	21,456,880	21,456,880	21,456,880
Treasury stock, shares	8,713,566	8,291,947	8,018,269
Common shares, direct sales	14,492
Common shares, value, direct sales	$ 438
Stock issued during period, shares, employee benefit plan	46,124
Stock issued during period, value, employee retirement plan	$ 1,406
Common shares, employer matching contribution, shares	101,480
Employee retirement plan, employer match	$ 3,055
Defined contribution plan, cost recognized	$ 3,373	$ 3,055	$ 2,788
Stock issued during period, shares, employee stock purchase plan	125,779	115,029	118,444
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Shares outstanding, beginning of year	13,164,933	13,438,611
Shares purchased	(823,827)	(727,436)
Shares sold	287,875	287,536
Stock subscription offering, employee cash purchases	43,071	49,940
Options exercised	71,262	116,282
Increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding	(421,619)	(273,678)
Shares outstanding, end of year	12,743,314	13,164,933	13,438,611
Per Share Amounts and Common Shares Outstanding [Abstract]
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, options, exercisable, number	416,844
Stock subscription offering, number of partially-paid subscriptions	436,081
Stock subscription offering, number of rights outstanding	178,085
Treasury stock [Member]
Common Stock, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract]
Shares purchased, value	$ 25,395	$ 19,598	$ 21,887
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Shares purchased	(824,000)	(727,000)	(931,000)
Shares sold	288,000	287,000	299,000

Common Shares and Preferred S65

Common Shares and Preferred Shares Stock Subscription (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Equity [Abstract]
Stock subscription offering, number of rights outstanding	178,085
Stock subscription offering [Abstract]
Stock subscription offering, subscription price | $ / shares	$ 19.70
Stock subscription offering, number of shares subscribed	637,714
stock subscription offering, value of shares subscribed | $	$ 12,563,000
Stock subscription offering, minimum financed amount | $	$ 5,000
Stock subscription offering, down payment	10.00%
Stock subscription offering, term	7 years
Stock subscription offering interest rate	2.00%
Stock subscription offering, minimum amount to receive right | $	$ 5,000
stock subscription offering, number of shares purchased to receive one right	3
Stock subscription offering, number of rights issued	211,800
Stock subscription offering, portion exercisable per year	14.29%
Stock subscription offering, right expiration term	7 years

Accumulated Other Comprehensi66

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Increase (decrease) in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the year	$ (11,523)	$ (4,393)	$ (7,115)
Unrealized gains (losses)	(5,093)	(2,798)	(1,864)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	4,774	2,786	1,401
Tax effect	(1,878)	(1,095)	(532)
Unrecognized amounts from defined benefit pension plans	538	(9,923)	6,306
Tax effect	(212)	3,900	(2,589)
Net of tax amount	(1,871)	(7,130)	2,722
Balance at the end of the year	(13,394)	(11,523)	(4,393)
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
Increase (decrease) in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the year	(1,151)	1,647	3,511
Unrealized gains (losses)	(5,093)	(2,798)	(1,864)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0	0
Tax effect	0	0	0
Unrecognized amounts from defined benefit pension plans	0	0	0
Tax effect	0	0	0
Net of tax amount	(5,093)	(2,798)	(1,864)
Balance at the end of the year	(6,244)	(1,151)	1,647
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Increase (decrease) in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the year	(10,372)	(6,040)	(10,626)
Unrealized gains (losses)	0	0	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	4,774	2,786	1,401
Tax effect	(1,878)	(1,095)	(532)
Unrecognized amounts from defined benefit pension plans	538	(9,923)	6,306
Tax effect	(212)	3,900	(2,589)
Net of tax amount	3,222	(4,332)	4,586
Balance at the end of the year	$ (7,150)	$ (10,372)	$ (6,040)

The Davey 401KSOP and Employe67

The Davey 401KSOP and Employee Stock Ownership Plan (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Disclosures [Line Items]
Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), initial shares in ESOP | shares	120,000
Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), shares adjusted for stock splits | shares	11,520,000
Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), initial value in ESOP | $	$ 2,700
Defined contribution plan, eligible age	21
Defined contribution plan, service requirement for eligibility	1 year
Employee retirement plan, employer match | $	$ 3,373	$ 3,055	$ 2,788
First 1% [Member]
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Disclosures [Line Items]
Defined contribution plan, employer matching contribution, percent	100.00%
1% to 4% [Member]
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Disclosures [Line Items]
Defined contribution plan, employer matching contribution, percent	50.00%
Minimum [Member] | 1% to 4% [Member]
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Disclosures [Line Items]
Defined contribution plan, employer matching contribution threshold, percent	1.00%
Maximum [Member] | First 1% [Member]
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Disclosures [Line Items]
Defined contribution plan, employer matching contribution threshold, percent	1.00%
Maximum [Member] | 1% to 4% [Member]
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Disclosures [Line Items]
Defined contribution plan, employer matching contribution threshold, percent	4.00%

Stock-Based Compensation (Detai

Stock-Based Compensation (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Annual percentage of outstanding shares available for grant, maximum	5.00%
Cumulative percentage of outstanding shares available for grant in a year, maximum	10.00%
Salaries, Wages and Officers' Compensation [Abstract]
Compensation expense, stock-based compensation | $	$ 2,327	$ 1,860	$ 1,411
Income tax benefit | $	$ 694	$ 549	$ 348
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Abstract]
Employee stock purchase plan, service period	1 year
Employee stock purchase plan, percentage of market price, purchase date	85.00%
Employee stock purchase, discount from market price, purchase date	15.00%
Number of employees participating	1,750	1,684	1,500
Shares purchased during the year | shares	125,779	115,029	118,444
Weighted-average per share purchase price paid	$ 26.22	$ 23.07	$ 20.01
Cumulative shares purchased since 1982 | shares	8,877,034	8,751,255	8,636,226
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]
Volatility rate	10.90%	11.20%	11.30%
Risk-free interest rate	2.10%	2.60%	2.10%
Expected dividend yield	0.70%	1.10%	1.50%
Expected life of awards (years)	9 years 3 months 18 days	9 years 4 months 24 days	9 years 4 months 24 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Outstanding, beginning balance | shares	770,131
Granted | shares	148,000
Exercised | shares	(66,687)
Forfeited | shares	34,700
Outstanding, ending balance | shares	816,744	770,131
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Exercisable, ending balance | shares	416,844
Outstanding, weighted average exercise price, ending balance	$ 21.58	$ 19.33
Granted, weighted average exercise price	30.10
Exercised, weighted average exercise price	13.13
Forfeited, weighted average exercise price	24.27
Exercisable, weighted average exercise price	$ 16.68
Exercisable, weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	3 years 11 months 16 days
Outstanding, unrecognized compensation cost | $	$ 1,832
Outstanding, aggregate intrinsic value | $	8,102
Exercisable, aggregate intrinisic value | $	6,178
Excess tax benefits | $	352	$ 354	$ 242
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Domain]
Salaries, Wages and Officers' Compensation [Abstract]
Compensation expense, stock-based compensation | $	$ 569	463	417
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Abstract]
Employee stock purchase, discount from market price, purchase date	15.00%
Stock Options [Member]
Salaries, Wages and Officers' Compensation [Abstract]
Compensation expense, stock-based compensation | $	$ 494	398	234
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]
Vesting period	10 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Outstanding, weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	6 years 2 months 12 days
Number outstanding | shares	816,744
Outstanding options, weighted average exercise price	$ 21.58
Number exercisable | shares	416,844
Exercisable options, weighted average exercise price	$ 16.68
Stock Options [Member] | $11.25 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Lower range limit	11.25
Upper range limit	$ 11.25
Number outstanding | shares	121,938
Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	4 months 24 days
Outstanding options, weighted average exercise price	$ 11.25
Number exercisable | shares	121,938
Exercisable options, weighted average exercise price	$ 11.25
Stock Options [Member] | $16.00 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Lower range limit	16
Upper range limit	$ 16
Number outstanding | shares	100,761
Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	3 years 10 months 2 days
Outstanding options, weighted average exercise price	$ 16
Number exercisable | shares	100,761
Exercisable options, weighted average exercise price	$ 16
Stock Options [Member] | $16.60 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Lower range limit	16.60
Upper range limit	$ 16.60
Number outstanding | shares	96,095
Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	4 years 10 months 2 days
Outstanding options, weighted average exercise price	$ 16.60
Number exercisable | shares	96,095
Exercisable options, weighted average exercise price	$ 16.60
Stock Options [Member] | $23.20 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Lower range limit	23.20
Upper range limit	$ 23.20
Number outstanding | shares	186,550
Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	7 years 5 months 23 days
Outstanding options, weighted average exercise price	$ 23.20
Number exercisable | shares	67,450
Exercisable options, weighted average exercise price	$ 23.20
Stock Options [Member] | $16.40 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Lower range limit	26.40
Upper range limit	$ 26.40
Number outstanding | shares	177,400
Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	8 years 6 months
Outstanding options, weighted average exercise price	$ 26.40
Number exercisable | shares	30,600
Exercisable options, weighted average exercise price	$ 26.40
Stock Options [Member] | $30.10 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Lower range limit	30.10
Upper range limit	$ 30.10
Number outstanding | shares	134,000
Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	9 years 6 months
Outstanding options, weighted average exercise price	$ 30.10
Number exercisable | shares	0
Exercisable options, weighted average exercise price	$ 30.10
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member]
Salaries, Wages and Officers' Compensation [Abstract]
Compensation expense, stock-based compensation | $	$ 489	$ 384	315
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]
Vesting period	5 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Unvested, beginning balance | shares	303,271
Granted | shares	133,550
Forfeited | shares	0
Vested | shares	(106,114)
Unvested, ending balance | shares	330,707	303,271
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Unvested, weighted average award date value, beginning balance	$ 3.84
Granted, weighted average award date value	5.78
Forfeited, weighted average award date value	0
Vested, weighted average award date value	3.76
Unvested, weighted average award date value, ending balance	$ 4.65	$ 3.84
Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	2 years 10 months 24 days
Unrecognized compensation cost | $	$ 1,149
Aggregate intrinsic value, unvested | $	$ 10,417
Employee SSARs [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Unvested, ending balance | shares	321,708
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Unvested, weighted average award date value, ending balance	$ 4.71
Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	3 years
Unrecognized compensation cost | $	$ 1,137
Aggregate intrinsic value, unvested | $	$ 10,134
Nonemployee Director SSARs [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Unvested, ending balance | shares	8,999
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Unvested, weighted average award date value, ending balance	$ 2.23
Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	10 months 24 days
Unrecognized compensation cost | $	$ 12
Aggregate intrinsic value, unvested | $	283
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Salaries, Wages and Officers' Compensation [Abstract]
Compensation expense, stock-based compensation | $	$ 775	$ 615	$ 445
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Unvested, beginning balance | shares	117,709
Granted | shares	42,152
Forfeited | shares	0
Vested | shares	(17,876)
Unvested, ending balance | shares	141,985	117,709
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Unvested, weighted average award date value, beginning balance	$ 21.14
Granted, weighted average award date value	29.14
Forfeited, weighted average award date value	0
Vested, weighted average award date value	17.44
Unvested, weighted average award date value, ending balance	$ 23.98	$ 21.14
Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	2 years 3 months 18 days
Unrecognized compensation cost | $	$ 1,909
Aggregate intrinsic value, unvested | $	$ 4,472
Employee PRSUs [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Unvested, ending balance | shares	121,435
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Unvested, weighted average award date value, ending balance	$ 23.75
Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	2 years 7 months 6 days
Unrecognized compensation cost | $	$ 1,662
Aggregate intrinsic value, unvested | $	$ 3,825
Nonemployee Director PRSUs [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Unvested, ending balance | shares	20,550
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Unvested, weighted average award date value, ending balance	$ 25.32
Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	1 year 3 months 18 days
Unrecognized compensation cost | $	$ 247
Aggregate intrinsic value, unvested | $	$ 647

Defined Benefit Pension Plans C

Defined Benefit Pension Plans Change in benefit obligation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year	$ 35,876	$ 31,888
Service cost	35	51	$ 222
Interest cost	1,486	1,618	1,515
Actuarial (gains)/losses	(2,445)	4,838
New longevity assumptions	(340)	3,229
Curtailments	(404)	0
Settlements	(6,186)	(4,319)
Benefits paid	(794)	(1,429)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year	27,228	35,876	$ 31,888
Accumulated benefit obligation at end of year	$ 27,228	$ 35,475

Defined Benefit Pension Plans70

Defined Benefit Pension Plans Change in fair value of plan assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$ 21,567	$ 25,754
Actual return on plan assets	(135)	540
Plan expenses, including PBGC premiums	(536)	(404)
Employer contributions	1,300	1,425
Settlements	(6,186)	(4,319)
Benefits paid	(794)	(1,429)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$ 15,216	$ 21,567

Defined Benefit Pension Plans F

Defined Benefit Pension Plans Funded status of the plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 15,216	$ 21,567	$ 25,754
Projected benefit obligation	27,228	35,876	$ 31,888
Funded status of the plans	$ (12,012)	$ (14,309)

Defined Benefit Pension Plans A

Defined Benefit Pension Plans Amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Current liability	$ (499)	$ (38)
Noncurrent liability	(11,513)	(14,271)
Funded status of the plans	$ (12,012)	$ (14,309)

Defined Benefit Pension Plans73

Defined Benefit Pension Plans Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive income
Unrecognized net actuarial loss, pretax	$ 11,836	$ 17,093
Unrecognized net actuarial loss, net of tax	7,150	10,339
Unrecognized prior service cost, pretax	0	55
Unrecognized prior service cost, net of tax	0	33
Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive income, pretax	11,836	17,148
Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax	7,150	10,372
Amortization of Costs Expected to be Recognized Next Year
Unrecognized net actuarial loss, pretax	973
Unrecognized net actuarial loss, net of tax	584
Amortization of costs expected to be recognized next year, pretax	973
Amortization of costs expected to be recognized next year, net of tax	584
For pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets
Projected benefit obligation	27,228	35,876	$ 31,888
Accumulated benefit obligation	27,228	35,475
Fair value of plan assets	$ 15,216	$ 21,567	$ 25,754

Defined Benefit Pension Plans74

Defined Benefit Pension Plans Actuarial Assumptions (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	4.70%	4.30%	5.20%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets	7.25%	7.50%	7.75%
Equity securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, target plan asset allocations range minimum	55.00%
Defined benefit plan, target plan asset allocations range maximum	65.00%
Fixed income and cash [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, target plan asset allocations range minimum	20.00%
Defined benefit plan, target plan asset allocations range maximum	30.00%
Alternative investments [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, target plan asset allocations range minimum	0.00%
Defined benefit plan, target plan asset allocations range maximum	15.00%
Minimum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, risk management practices, investment evaluation period	3 years
Maximum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, risk management practices, investment evaluation period	5 years

Defined Benefit Pension Plans75

Defined Benefit Pension Plans Components of Pension Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Service costs--increase in benefit obligation earned	$ 35	$ 51	$ 222
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	1,486	1,618	1,515
Expected return on plan assets	(1,576)	(1,993)	(1,760)
Curtailment loss	49	0	0
Settlement loss	2,915	2,065	0
Amortization of net actuarial loss	1,400	708	1,388
Amortization of prior service cost	6	14	14
Net pension expense of defined benefit pension plans	$ 4,315	$ 2,463	$ 1,379

Defined Benefit Pension Plans76

Defined Benefit Pension Plans Fair Value of Plan Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total carrying value	$ 15,216	$ 21,567
Fair value of plan assets	15,216	21,567	$ 25,754
Quoted prices in active markets, (level 1) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	12,422	19,125
Significant other observable inputs, (level 2) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	2,794	2,442
Significant unobservable inputs, (level 3) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Money market funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total carrying value	2,794	2,442
Money market funds | Quoted prices in active markets, (level 1) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Money market funds | Significant other observable inputs, (level 2) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	2,794	2,442
Money market funds | Significant unobservable inputs, (level 3) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
U.S. large-cap equities, growth [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total carrying value	1,869	2,625
U.S. large-cap equities, growth [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets, (level 1) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	1,869	2,625
U.S. large-cap equities, growth [Member] | Significant other observable inputs, (level 2) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
U.S. large-cap equities, growth [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs, (level 3) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
U.S. large-cap equities, value [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total carrying value	1,492	2,088
U.S. large-cap equities, value [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets, (level 1) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	1,492	2,088
U.S. large-cap equities, value [Member] | Significant other observable inputs, (level 2) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
U.S. large-cap equities, value [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs, (level 3) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
U.S. small/mid-cap equities, growth [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total carrying value	781	1,623
U.S. small/mid-cap equities, growth [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets, (level 1) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	781	1,623
U.S. small/mid-cap equities, growth [Member] | Significant other observable inputs, (level 2) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
U.S. small/mid-cap equities, growth [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs, (level 3) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
U.S. small/mid-cap equities, value [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total carrying value	1,003	1,844
U.S. small/mid-cap equities, value [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets, (level 1) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	1,003	1,844
U.S. small/mid-cap equities, value [Member] | Significant other observable inputs, (level 2) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
U.S. small/mid-cap equities, value [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs, (level 3) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
International equities, growth [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total carrying value	1,270	2,128
International equities, growth [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets, (level 1) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	1,270	2,128
International equities, growth [Member] | Significant other observable inputs, (level 2) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
International equities, growth [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs, (level 3) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
International equities, value [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total carrying value	1,183	2,124
International equities, value [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets, (level 1) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	1,183	2,124
International equities, value [Member] | Significant other observable inputs, (level 2) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
International equities, value [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs, (level 3) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Fixed income
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total carrying value	3,035	3,747
Fixed income | Quoted prices in active markets, (level 1) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	3,035	3,747
Fixed income | Significant other observable inputs, (level 2) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Fixed income | Significant unobservable inputs, (level 3) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Multiclass world-allocation mutual funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total carrying value	1,789	2,946
Multiclass world-allocation mutual funds | Quoted prices in active markets, (level 1) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	1,789	2,946
Multiclass world-allocation mutual funds | Significant other observable inputs, (level 2) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Multiclass world-allocation mutual funds | Significant unobservable inputs, (level 3) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 0	$ 0

Defined Benefit Pension Plans E

Defined Benefit Pension Plans Expected Benefits (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Year ending December 31, 2016	$ 650,000
2,017	904,000
2,018	1,022,000
2,019	1,139,000
2,020	1,260,000
Years 2021 to 2025	7,593,000
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plans, estimated future employer contributions in next fiscal year	$ 0

Defined Benefit Pension Plans M

Defined Benefit Pension Plans Multiemployer Pension Plans (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]
Multiemployer plan, period contributions	$ 893	$ 848	$ 855
National Electric Benefit Fund [Member]
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]
Number of collective-bargaining agreements	8
Multiemployer plan, period contributions	$ 774	743	755
Eighth District Electrical Pension Fund [Member]
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]
Number of collective-bargaining agreements	1
Multiemployer plan, period contributions	$ 119	$ 105	$ 100

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income before income taxes
Income before income taxes	$ 35,258	$ 38,300	$ 35,565
Provision for income taxes
Federal	13,337	13,159	7,089
State	2,487	2,524	2,183
Canadian	611	2,127	1,724
Total current	16,435	17,810	10,996
Deferred taxes	(2,975)	(2,679)	1,716
Total taxes on income	$ 13,460	$ 15,131	$ 12,712
Tax rate reconciliation
Statutory U.S. federal tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	3.70%	3.90%	3.60%
Effect of Canadian income taxes	(0.50%)	(1.70%)	(1.60%)
Nondeductible expenses	2.30%	1.90%	1.90%
ESOP dividend deduction	(0.80%)	(0.70%)	(0.80%)
Uncertain tax adjustments and audit settlement	1.50%	1.60%	(2.20%)
Foreign tax credits	(2.20%)	(0.00%)	(0.00%)
All other, net	(0.80%)	(0.50%)	(0.20%)
Effective income tax rate	38.20%	39.50%	35.70%
Current deferred tax assets and liabilities, net
Deferred income tax assets--noncurrent				$ 36,479	$ 34,486
Deferred income tax liabilities--noncurrent				24,958	23,854
Net deferred tax assets--noncurrent				11,521	10,632
Noncurrent deferred tax assets and liabilities, net
Self-insurance accruals				21,136	20,661
Accrued compensated absences				3,189	3,090
Accrued expenses and other liabilities				1,255	1,388
Accrued stock compensation				2,144	1,642
Defined benefit pension plans				3,721	4,573
Foreign tax credit carryforward				680	768
Other future deductible amounts, net				4,354	3,132
Deferred tax assets, gross, noncurrent				36,479	35,254
Less deferred tax asset valuation allowance				0	768
Deferred tax assets, net--noncurrent				36,479	34,486
Intangibles				150	269
Prepaid expenses				3,138	3,160
Property and equipment				21,670	20,425
Deferred tax liability, noncurrent				24,958	23,854
Net deferred tax assets--noncurrent				11,521	10,632
Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries				27,268
Unrecognized benefits and related interest and penalties
Unrecognized tax benefits	$ 1,949	$ 1,221	$ 2,638	2,557	1,949
Portion, if recognized, would reduce tax expense and effective tax rate				1,981	1,512
Accrued interest on unrecognized tax benefits				115	77
Accrued penalties on unrecognized benefits				$ 0	0
Reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits
Balance, beginning of year	1,949	1,221	2,638
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	642	587	370
Additions for tax positions of prior years	52	234	133
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(63)	(79)	(1,155)
Reductions related to settlements with taxing authorities	0	0	(460)
Lapses in statutes of limitations	(23)	(14)	(305)
Balance, end of year	2,557	1,949	1,221
United States [Member]
Income before income taxes
Income before income taxes	32,807	30,380	29,203
Canada [Member]
Income before income taxes
Income before income taxes	$ 2,451	$ 7,920	$ 6,362
Accounting Standards Update 2015-17 [Member] | New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption, Effect [Member]
Tax rate reconciliation
New accounting pronouncement or change in accounting principle, reclassification from current assets to noncurrent assets					8,927
Current deferred tax assets and liabilities, net
Deferred income tax assets--current					0
Deferred income tax assets--noncurrent					34,486
Deferred income tax liability--current					0
Deferred income tax liabilities--noncurrent					23,854
Net deferred tax assets--noncurrent					10,632
Noncurrent deferred tax assets and liabilities, net
Deferred tax assets, net--noncurrent					34,486
Deferred tax liability, noncurrent					23,854
Net deferred tax assets--noncurrent					10,632
Accounting Standards Update 2015-17 [Member] | New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption, Effect [Member] | Previously Reported
Current deferred tax assets and liabilities, net
Deferred income tax assets--current					12,087
Deferred income tax assets--noncurrent					22,399
Deferred income tax liability--current					3,160
Deferred income tax liabilities--noncurrent					20,694
Noncurrent deferred tax assets and liabilities, net
Deferred tax assets, net--noncurrent					22,399
Deferred tax liability, noncurrent					20,694
Accounting Standards Update 2015-17 [Member] | New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption, Effect [Member] | Reclassified
Current deferred tax assets and liabilities, net
Deferred income tax assets--current					(12,087)
Deferred income tax assets--noncurrent					12,087
Deferred income tax liability--current					(3,160)
Deferred income tax liabilities--noncurrent					3,160
Noncurrent deferred tax assets and liabilities, net
Deferred tax assets, net--noncurrent					12,087
Deferred tax liability, noncurrent					$ 3,160

Earnings Per Share Informatio80

Earnings Per Share Information (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Oct. 03, 2015	Jul. 04, 2015	Apr. 04, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income	$ 1,220	$ 8,174	$ 15,932	$ (3,528)	$ 5,646	$ 9,657	$ 14,046	$ (6,180)	$ 21,798	$ 23,169	$ 22,853
Weighted-average shares, basic
Outstanding									13,029,368	13,337,198	13,639,356
Partially-paid share subscriptions									436,081	484,025	531,325
Basic weighted-average shares									13,465,449	13,821,223	14,170,681
Weighted-average shares, diluted
Exercise of stock subscription purchase rights									67,714	54,824	34,273
Exercise of stock options and awards									444,127	362,229	397,478
Diluted weighted-average shares									13,977,290	14,238,276	14,602,432
Earnings per share--basic	$ 0.10	$ 0.58	$ 1.21	$ (0.27)	$ 0.21	$ 0.72	$ 1.04	$ (0.29)	$ 1.62	$ 1.68	$ 1.61
Earnings per share--diluted	$ 0.11	$ 0.55	$ 1.17	$ (0.27)	$ 0.22	$ 0.69	$ 1.01	$ (0.29)	$ 1.56	$ 1.63	$ 1.57

Operations by Business Segmen81

Operations by Business Segment and Geographic Information Operations by Busines Segment (Details) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Oct. 03, 2015USD ($)	Jul. 04, 2015USD ($)	Apr. 04, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 27, 2014USD ($)	Jun. 28, 2014USD ($)	Mar. 29, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments										2
Revenues										$ 821,904	$ 789,911	$ 713,848
Income (loss) from operations		$ 4,120	$ 16,177	$ 27,796	$ (3,985)	$ 7,769	$ 17,144	$ 23,815	$ (4,725)	44,108	44,003	40,789
Interest expense										3,355	2,948	2,708
Interest income										249	295	311
Other										(5,744)	(3,050)	(2,827)
Income before income taxes										35,258	38,300	35,565
Depreciation										44,677	40,970	38,231
Amortization										2,214	2,070	1,980
Capital expenditures										56,047	55,731	45,205
Segment assets, total		394,057				381,004				394,057	381,004	333,378
Utility Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues										433,117	404,519	376,520
Income (loss) from operations										24,273	21,382	16,070
Depreciation										25,466	23,225	22,261
Amortization										144	174	359
Capital expenditures										26,853	25,994	21,642
Segment assets, total		145,306				150,002				145,306	150,002	145,021
Residential Commercial Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues										386,327	386,274	334,878
Income (loss) from operations										35,271	37,232	33,566
Depreciation										15,592	14,544	13,286
Amortization										2,062	1,896	1,440
Capital expenditures										22,853	17,490	17,577
Segment assets, total		162,679				144,413				162,679	144,413	122,542
All Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues										2,460	(882)	2,450
Income (loss) from operations										(5,368)	(6,037)	(2,869)
Depreciation										0	0	0
Amortization										0	0	0
Capital expenditures										0	0	0
Segment assets, total		0				0				0	0	0
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues										0	0	0
Income (loss) from operations	[1]									(10,068)	(8,574)	(5,978)
Interest expense										3,355	2,948	2,708
Interest income										249	295	311
Other										(5,744)	(3,050)	(2,827)
Depreciation	[2]									3,619	3,201	2,684
Amortization										8	0	181
Capital expenditures										6,341	12,247	5,986
Segment assets, total	[3]	$ 86,072				$ 86,589				$ 86,072	$ 86,589	$ 65,815
[1]	Reconciling adjustments from segment reporting to consolidated external financial reporting include reclassification of depreciation expense and allocation of corporate expenses.
[2]	Adjustments to declining-balance method depreciation expense from straight-line method and depreciation and amortization of corporate assets.
[3]	Corporate assets include cash, prepaid expenses, corporate facilities, enterprise-wide information systems and other nonoperating assets.

Operations by Business Segmen82

Operations by Business Segment and Geographic Information Geographic Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 821,904	$ 789,911	$ 713,848
Long-lived assets, net	233,123	213,808	181,362
United States [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	749,896	706,145	637,524
Long-lived assets, net	213,794	196,116	166,598
Canada [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	72,008	83,766	76,324
Long-lived assets, net	$ 19,329	$ 17,692	$ 14,764

Fair Value Measurements and F83

Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jul. 22, 2010
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Defined benefit pension plan assets	$ 15,216	$ 21,567	$ 25,754
Revolving credit facility, noncurrent	54,500	44,500
Senior unsecured notes	30,000	30,000		$ 30,000
Long-term debt	85,104	81,306
Quoted prices in active markets, (level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Defined benefit pension plan assets	12,422	19,125
Significant other observable inputs, (level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Defined benefit pension plan assets	2,794	2,442
Significant unobservable inputs (level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Defined benefit pension plan assets	0	0
Fair value measurements, recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets, (level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets invested for self-insurance, classified as other assets, noncurrent	17,167	13,684
Defined benefit pension plan assets	12,422	19,125
Deferred compensation	0	0
Fair value measurements, recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs, (level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets invested for self-insurance, classified as other assets, noncurrent	0	0
Defined benefit pension plan assets	2,794	2,442
Deferred compensation	1,574	1,423
Fair value measurements, recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets invested for self-insurance, classified as other assets, noncurrent	0	0
Defined benefit pension plan assets	0	0
Deferred compensation	0	0
Fair value [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility, noncurrent	54,500	44,500
Senior unsecured notes	24,837	30,688
Term loans, noncurrent	7,008	7,195
Long-term debt	86,345	82,383
Total carrying value [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility, noncurrent	54,500	44,500
Senior unsecured notes	24,000	30,000
Term loans, noncurrent	6,604	6,806
Long-term debt	85,104	81,306
Total carrying value [Member] | Fair value measurements, recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets invested for self-insurance, classified as other assets, noncurrent	17,167	13,684
Defined benefit pension plan assets	15,216	21,567
Deferred compensation	$ 1,574	$ 1,423

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Letters of credit outstanding	$ 59,350

Quarterly Results of Operatio85

Quarterly Results of Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Oct. 03, 2015	Jul. 04, 2015	Apr. 04, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 197,858	$ 224,981	$ 224,773	$ 174,292	$ 202,737	$ 216,604	$ 213,183	$ 157,387	$ 821,904	$ 789,911	$ 713,848
Gross profit (revenues less costs and expenses, operating)	69,331	81,808	87,432	54,434	72,565	77,613	82,900	48,156
Income (loss) from operations	4,120	16,177	27,796	(3,985)	7,769	17,144	23,815	(4,725)	44,108	44,003	40,789
Net income (loss)	$ 1,220	$ 8,174	$ 15,932	$ (3,528)	$ 5,646	$ 9,657	$ 14,046	$ (6,180)	$ 21,798	$ 23,169	$ 22,853
Net income (loss) per share--Basic	$ 0.10	$ 0.58	$ 1.21	$ (0.27)	$ 0.21	$ 0.72	$ 1.04	$ (0.29)	$ 1.62	$ 1.68	$ 1.61
Net income (loss) per share -- Diluted:	0.11	0.55	1.17	(0.27)	0.22	0.69	1.01	(0.29)	$ 1.56	$ 1.63	$ 1.57
ESOT Valuation per share	$ 32.70	$ 31.50	$ 30.10	$ 30.10	$ 30.10	$ 27.80	$ 26.40	$ 26.40
Decrease in casualty insurance expense	$ 2,589				$ 3,875